U.S. Senate introduces Farm Bill

As we await the U.S. House of Representatives floor vote later this month on the Farm Bill, the Senate Agriculture Committee has introduced its bipartisan version of the bill.

Officially known as the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, the Senate version of the Farm Bill was publicly unveiled today in advance of its Agriculture Committee markup on June 13. You can access the 1,006-page bill here.

The Land Trust Alliance is encouraged to see Congress recognize the growing need to reauthorize the Farm Bill, which provides crucial funding across the nation. This bill is the largest single source of federal funding for private land conservation — and that's why it is such a high priority for the Alliance.

While the Senate bill fully funds the conservation title, it does not fund the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program at our recommended level of $500 million per year. Although initial annual funding of $400 million annually is much better than the current funding level of $250 million annually, we plan to continue working with Congress to underscore the importance of easement programs that keep working lands working and directly contribute to our economy.

Beyond the higher funding proposal, many of our highest priorities are reflected in the Senate version of the Farm Bill, including removing Agriculture Land Easement plans as part of the minimum deed terms, allowing landowner donations to satisfy match requirements and granting certified entities the ability to write their own deed terms.

Because both bills reflect many of our community's priorities, the Alliance is in a strong position to continue advocating on your behalf as Congress moves toward a conference committee that will reconcile the different legislative proposals and produce a final Farm Bill.

Thanks to all Land Trust Alliance members who've reached out to their congressional delegations in support of our recommendations. I'm confident that as we continue to work together, we can secure a strong Farm Bill.

Lori Faeth is government relations director for the Land Trust Alliance.