Farm Bill

NACD's mission is to serve conservation districts by providing national leadership and a unified voice for natural resource conservation.

The farm bill, also known as the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2012, is the most influential piece of legislation that affects agriculture in America. A new farm bill is re-authorized approximately every five years, directing farm program policy including conservation.

Farm bill conservation programs help producers enhance soil and water quality, improve wildlife habitat, can assist with compliance with federal and state environmental rules, protect agricultural and grass lands and provide various other benefits.

The last Farm Bill was enacted on June 18, 2008. The 2008 bill built upon the funding commitment from the 2002, providing and additional $4 billion in spending on conservation programs.

NACD’s participation in the 2012 Farm Bill development process and interaction with Congress has spanned the previous three years. NACD will continue to be engaged in the implementation of the farm bill, providing appropriate comments to USDA on rules and regulations.

NACD will continuously update this page with information on the creation and implementation of the Farm Bill, as more information on the schedule of USDA activities become available.

NACD Farm Bill Resources

2012 NACD Farm Bill Principles | PDF |

Partners

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) - NRCS is responsible for a majority of the conservation programs contained in the Farm Bill. Conservation program details, funding and status can be found on their website.

Farm Service Agency - FSA is responsible for on of the oldest and most well known conservation program—the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Information on CRP, continuous sign-up and new provisions of the Farm Bill as well as other assistance programs can be found on their website.

The U.S. Forest Service - FS is responsible for several forestry related provisions of the Farm Bill. New requirements include a State Wide Assessment and strategies for forest resources. Additional information can be found on their website.

Great Lakes Basin Program for Sediment and Erosion Control - The Great Lakes Basin Program for Sediment and Erosion Control is authorized in the Farm Bill to provide funding for conservation related activities in the Great Lakes region. Additional information can be found on their website.

National Watershed Coalition - Select watershed programs are included in the Farm Bill. Watershed efforts are lead by the National Watershed Coalition, which coordinates activities for individual conservation districts and other partners.