The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides cost-share assistance to farmers to improve conservation practices on their farms; However, annual federal reporting regulations required under NRCS programs have been burdensome on many small, mid-sized, beginning, and historically underserved farmers

The Improving Access to Farm Conservation Act would remove this burdensome regulation which currently forces small farmers to report under the same regulations as other entities receiving multi-million dollar government contracts, such as large military contractors

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and John Boozman (R-AR) announced that their bipartisan legislation to improve access to voluntary farm conservation programs administered through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) was included in the omnibus spending package. The NRCS is an agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that provides technical and financial assistance to farmers to improve conservation practices on their farms. However, annual federal reporting regulations required under these programs have been burdensome on many small, mid-sized, beginning, and historically underserved farmers. Additionally, because this reporting system is done electronically and requires reliable internet access, farmers in rural areas with limited broadband access are even further disadvantaged. Section 766 of the Omnibus spending bill included the Improving Access to Farm Conservation Act, which removes this burdensome regulation for NRCS cost share recipients.

“Agricultural producers, and especially small and beginning farmers, should have every opportunity to access voluntary farm conservation programs. However, reporting requirements and regulations often make it harder for farmers and producers across Minnesota to utilize these programs,” Klobuchar said. “This bipartisan bill will help cut through government red tape so farmers can protect their farmland, the environment and their communities.”

“As good stewards of the environment, Arkansas farmers and ranchers are committed to preserving the lands they use to make a living. Unfortunately, burdensome red tape often prevents them from participating in voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs to help accomplish this goal. This measure removes the onerous requirements keeping our agricultural producers from benefiting from this assistance,” Boozman said.

Thousands of farmers and ranchers voluntarily participate in the wide range of conservation programs that are offered through NRCS, with many of these programs offering a cost-share payment which helps farmers with the cost of implementing conservation measures. The Improving Access to Farm Conservation Act would remove burdensome regulations for NRCS cost share recipients, which currently puts small farmers on the same level as other entities receiving multi-million dollar government contracts, such as large military contractors.

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