Conservation Groups Urge Increased Funding In Farm Bill

Conservation groups are urging on Congress to increase funding in the 2018 Farm Bill and to strengthen current conservation efforts to ensure farmers, ranchers and foresters can effectively access those programs.The recommendations were released September 27 and more than 20 organizations that contributed input were listed as supporters. The consensus document asks for a large increase in funding for conservation programs, but supporters make it clear they do not want these funds to come at the expense of other programs in the farm bill.The set of recommendations highlight a number of programs with detailed lists of necessary changes and several conservation provisions that also need changes. Although conservation advocates are asking to increase funding in programs they are also looking to change the requirements for some.