National Association of Conservation Districts

Letters

Dear Chairman Harkin and Ranking Member Chambliss:

NACD would like to thank you for your continued work on the 2007 Farm Bill and efforts to secure additional Farm Bill spending through the Senate Finance Committee. We know that during these tight budget times efforts to secure that funding has been difficult and innovative funding options are being pursued. 

The work of the Senate Finance Committee last week altered conservation spending, with new conservation tax credits for the Conservation Reserve Program, the Grasslands Reserve Program and the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP). As you work in the Agriculture Committee, we stress the need to retain funds in conservation programs. Any savings from conservation programs as a result of the Senate Finance Committee action should remain in the Conservation Title.  Our members believe that additional funding for WRP, stewardship incentive payments and other major conservation programs must be included in the 2007 Farm Bill. Too many vital conservation benefits will not continue without this funding.

Farm Bill conservation programs not only provide benefits to farmers, ranchers and forest landowners, they also protect the natural resources and improve habitat that benefit everyone in the community. We all benefit from these programs through clean water, clean air, healthy habitat and productive soil.

We appreciate all the work that has led us to this point in the development of the 2007 Farm Bill. NACD believes it is critical to have a comprehensive Farm Bill completed this fall. We look forward to continuing work with you and your staff to ensure adequate funding for conservation programs in a final package this year.

Sincerely,

Olin Sims
President

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