CRAE members rally to preserve Farm Bill conservation funding
March 2010
The Obama Administration has recently proposed substantial budget cuts to hard-won conservation funding including the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program, the Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program, Conservation Stewardship Program, Wetlands Reserve Program, and Grasslands Reserve Program. CRAE members are urging the Administration to preserve this funding, which is a vital source of support for the protection of water resources, improved air quality, preservation of open space and wildlife habitat, and greenhouse gas mitigation, among other benefits. In March 2010, CRAE members sent a letter to key leaders calling for renewed support for these Farm Bill conservation programs. CRAE circulated an associated media release entitled Farmers, Labor, Green Groups Unite to Fight Cuts in Conservation Programs.
Farm Bill Conservation Programs Threatened
May 2009
President Obama’s proposed budget fell $700 million short of the promise for farm bill conservation program funding. In the proposed budget, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) takes the biggest hit, falling $250 million short of the funding promised in the 2008 farm bill. The Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) is targeted to be cut by over 138,000 acres, equivalent to a $350 million cut in funding for restoring wetlands. CRAE members joined forces to call for full funding for farm bill conservation programs, which are a critical mechanism for helping rural landowners steward the environment.
CRAE calls on Senators Boxer and Feinstein to take leadership for improved conservation funding
October 2007
In September 2007, CRAE members sent a letter calling on Senators Boxer and Feinstein to take leadership in efforts to improve federal farm policy to provide adequate support for California agriculture and the environment. This letter calls for increased support for conservation funding for specific programs to prevent the loss of agricultural land and associated habitat, encourage good stewardship of working lands and facilitate collaborative solutions to regional environmental problems.
CRAE urges Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi to act
September 2007
Over the past few months, CRAE members have continued their bid to secure increased funding and improved conservation initiatives through the 2007 Farm Bill. In May, CRAE sent a letter calling on Congresswoman Pelosi to offer important leadership in crafting a Farm Bill that rewards farmers for their land stewardship and meets the health, environmental and economic needs of California’s communities. In July, CRAE representatives met with Pelosi’s staff to offer recommendations on elements of a strong Farm Bill that meets these needs. In September, CRAE thanked Pelosi in a letter for her role in addressing the concerns of California agriculture in the House version of the Bill.
CRAE Farm Bill Resources Compiled
July 2007
The battle over the 2007 United States Farm Bill is well underway. The Farm Bill is a sprawling complex of programs that affects all parts of our food system. The 2002 Farm Bill had ten titles and covered everything from commodity programs, trade, and conservation to energy and credit. From here until the adoption of the Farm Bill sometime this fall, you will be hearing a steady stream of news about proposals, bills, and calls to action. For those interested in understanding more about the Farm Bill and receiving action alerts from a spectrum of Farm Bill stakeholders, we have put together this short resource guide.
CRAE Provides California Voice on the 2007 Farm Bill
December 2006
The CA Roundtable has provided recommendations and guidance on the 2007 Farm Bill. CRAE has been corresponding with Congressman Cardoza, who has taken a leadership role in the California delegation addressing the Bill (click here to read CRAE’s letter to Cardoza that launched this communication). In November 2006, CRAE submitted priority recommendations on federal farm policy to California Secretary of Agriculture A.G. Kawamura. The CA Roundtable has maintained ongoing dialogue with legislative leaders as this key piece of legislation has developed.