Did you know that this year, Montana has TWO legislators on the federal appropriations committee? This means that as the ideas from the Farm Bill are put to the test, we have two Montanans who could help bring them to fruition – or not!
Right now is a key time for appropriations. Can you make a call today to Sen. Tester and Sen. Daines?
Here are some key issues on the table:
- Congress is at risk of cutting thousands of farmers and ranchers out of programs like the Conservation Stewardship Program and Environmental Quality Incentives Program, programs that support farmers for making smart conservation practices work on their farms! The 2014 Farm Bill already cut $6 billion from the Conservation Title and even though demand for these programs is regularly 2 to 3 times higher than availability, Congress is considering making additional cuts. Ask our Senators: As you write your 2016 funding request letter, hold the line on mandatory farm bill funding for conservation programs with NO CUTS.
- You may have heard that the FDA is soon going to be rolling out major new food safety regulations for farmers. Providing training and support to ensure farmers understand the new rules is absolutely critical to ensuring a safe food supply for us all. Ask our Senators: As you write your 2016 funding request letter, include $5 million for the Food Safety Outreach Program.
- For over 25 years, the USDA’s Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program has invested in farmer-led research and projects that help spread innovation and sustainability. Despite its successes, SARE is at risk of not receiving adequate funding this year! Ask our Senators: As you write your 2016 funding request letter, ask for $30 million for SARE.
For more info on these and other key appropriations issues, visit www.sustainableagriculture.net. Many thanks to the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition for their leadership on these policy issues!
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