Infighting Dooms Overwhelmingly Popular Programs for Farmers, Ranchers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The omission of popular, voluntary conservation programs for farmers and ranchers from the continuing resolution is a major loss for farm communities and wildlife.

"USDA conservation programs are proven, popular programs that Congress could have affirmed in the end-of-year continuing resolution," said Aviva Glaser, senior director of agricultural policy at the National Wildlife Federation. "The deeply disappointing decision to drop investments of over $14 billion in permanent, voluntary conservation program funding for farmers, ranchers, and foresters out of the end-of-year funding package is an immense missed opportunity. Seventy-five percent of farmers and ranchers support a long term increase in conservation funding - Congress should heed the wishes of America's farmers and preserve this long term investment."