The House of Representatives’ Agriculture Committee held a Subcommittee public hearing on June 11 to review the implementation of conservation programs included in the Agricultural Act of 2014. The Conservation and Forestry subcommittee heard from two panels of witnesses, including Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Chief Jason Weller and Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini responsible for implementation, as well as stakeholders who shared their perspectives on the different conservation programs.
The conservation title of the farm bill provides farmers, ranchers, foresters and landowners with voluntary, incentive-based financial and technical assistance for conservation practices. Through these programs, producers are able to protect and restore water quality and quantity, air quality, wildlife habitat, and meet regulatory requirements.
“I am very pleased to hear from both agencies responsible for implementation and stakeholders that these conservation programs are working successfully,” Chairman Thompson said. “NRCS and FSA have done great work on the grassroots level to make sure these programs are implemented so our farmers and ranchers are able to maintain and protect our natural resources…”