Farm Bureau Comments on Proposed Monarch Butterfly Designation

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposal to list the monarch butterfly as a threatened species with a 4(d) rule.

"Preserving natural surroundings for America's wildlife has long been a priority for farmers and ranchers. That dedication extends to the monarch butterfly.

"The use of a 4(d) rule acknowledges the work farmers are undertaking to protect the monarch while recognizing the need for flexibility in conservation efforts between diverse regions and crops. This opens the door for an important dialogue about farmers as caretakers and cultivators of the land. Our farm families treasure that responsibility.

"We look forward to fully reviewing the proposed designation and plan to submit robust comments before the final determination. We are also committed to the larger goal of modernizing the Endangered Species Act to protect wildlife and promote voluntary efforts to preserve at-risk species."

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