FARM BILL UPDATE

THIS IS IT!

It’s make or break time for the 2012 Farm Bill.

Having failed to pass the scheduled Farm Bill this year, Congress will vote Thursday on how to fund the bill in the short term. In an ‘it’d be funny if it weren’t true’ twist, current proposals solely fund drought relief by effectively repealing farming conservation programs. These core Farm Bill conservation programs – the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), and the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) – work together to help farmers conserve water, protect and rebuild soil, and provide clean water and wildlife habitat. They’re a smart, long-term investment in the future of our agricultural lands and our nation’s food supply.

At a time when nearly 80% of our nation’s farmland is in the midst of a withering drought, farmers and ranchers depend upon conservation tools to help them deal with extreme conditions. By pitting long term environmental stewardship against short term weather crises, Congress is short-changing farms, farmers, and our food system. Call your Representative and Senators today!

The following is a list of programs farmers stand to lose if congress doesn’t pass the Farm Bill before it expires September 30th:
• Value-Added Producer Grants
• Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program
• Rural Energy for America Program
• Organic Agriculture Research & Extension Initiative
• National Organic Certification Cost Share Program
• Organic Production & Market Data Initiatives
• Farmers Market Promotion Program
• Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program
• Outreach & Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers & Ranchers
• Conservation Reserve – Transition Incentive Program

These are the programs in the bill that give farmers – and their allies in our community – the tools to grow and succeed, and to harness economic opportunities across the nation.

Unless Congress takes action, these programs will expire on September 30 and hundreds of millions of dollars for sustainable agriculture, conservation programs, economic development, and beginning farmer support will literally disappear.

We can’t let this happen on our watch.

Help us tell Congress this is unacceptable. Take just 5 minutes to call your Representative and Senators today!

The message is simple:

“Don’t walk away from America’s farmers and ranchers. Pass the 2012 Farm Bill and fully fund farm bill programs for beginning farmers, local food, organic agriculture, and rural jobs that expire on September 30 – programs that create jobs in rural communities, help farmers seize market opportunities, and invest in the next generation of farmers.”

Your message TODAY does matter – thank you for taking action!