ACC Action Policy Series: Empowering the Original Conservationists

Farm Bill’s Conservation Programs Matter

By Sarah Rosa

This week, the American Conservation Coalition Action brought 50 of its top grassroots leaders to Capitol Hill to meet with elected officials and advocate for common-sense, market-based solutions to environmental challenges. One key point raised by our members was the vital role of America’s farmers and ranchers as the nation’s original conservationists, and they urged their representatives to protect critical conservation funding designed to empower them. 

A couple years ago, nearly $20 billion was allocated to bolster voluntary conservation programs in the Farm Bill. This funding strengthened already popular and oversubscribed programs that provide farmers with the resources they need to serve as our nation’s greatest conservationists. Prior to this allocation, many farmers were turned away due to insufficient resources. While this recent investment aimed to address those issues, even with the additional funding, only about one-third of farmers can access these critical resources. As Congress works to pass a 5-year Farm Bill this year, it is essential that these funds are protected.

Additionally, these funds have an expiration date, meaning Congress must roll any remaining funds into the Farm Bill conservation baseline to ensure sustained funding moving forward. If these funds are not incorporated into the baseline, the very issue they were meant to address—high demand and limited supply—will only worsen. This is exactly why our members were emphasizing the critical need to invest in America’s original conservationists. Not to mention that 75% of farmers back increasing voluntary conservation funding. 

Specifically, our young conservative leaders emphasized that, despite the current political focus on reducing government spending, this is an investment worth making. Supporting our farmers and ranchers in their stewardship of the land is not only beneficial for the environment, but also for the economy and our nation’s food supply. In fact, farmers could receive a potential 15-25% return on investment when they shift from conventional farming to more conservation-focused farming. From strengthening farmers’ bottom lines through lower input costs and improved efficiency to enhancing resilience against natural disasters, conservation practices play a crucial role in ensuring food security and a robust rural economy.

The environmental benefits are particularly noteworthy given their cost-effectiveness. Natural climate solutions, such as conservation-focused farming and healthy forests, account for roughly 15% of our annual carbon offsets. Practices like cover crops, conservation tillage, and rotational grazing not only increase carbon storage in the soil but also protect critical habitats and enhance water quality. With support from the conservation programs in the Farm Bill, implementing these practices becomes much more feasible, offering many benefits in return.

As our members made clear this week, it is crucial that Congress invests in our nation’s greatest conservationists. House Agriculture Chair Glenn Thompson and Senate Agriculture Chair John Boozman both recognize the importance of incorporating these funds into the conservation baseline to ensure that farmers have the resources they need to steward the land for generations to come. As Chair Thompson has said, “There are no greater climate champions in the world than the American farmer, rancher, and forester.” We must invest in them accordingly.