The National Association of State Conservation Agencies (NASCA) congratulates the work of the Farm Bill Conference Committee in producing an excellent conference report and passing it out of committee. NASCA President Mike Thralls stated “The Conference Committee is to be commended for its attention to detail in developing this report. While perhaps unprecedented partisan politics in Washington continue to frustrate many Americans, this committee had the courage to come together and draft Farm Bill language that will not only benefit our agricultural producers but all Americans. Chairman Lucas and Chairwoman Stabenow should be very proud of this committee and this accomplishment.”

In its Conservation Delivery System Phase 3 Final Report in 2007, NASCA called for Farm Bill programs to be more streamlined, more flexible, and more user-friendly. The Conference Committee’s report has addressed these issues and offered some common sense alternatives to former protocols. NASCA Treasurer Stephen Shine said “This report provides a tremendous opportunity to deliver more conservation technical assistance to America’s farmers and ranchers. This flexibility is sorely needed by NRCS staff, State Conservation Agencies, and conservation districts to better serve our farmers, ranchers, and landowners.”

While NASCA is very pleased with the Farm Bill Conference Committee’s report, there is still more to do. We urge every member of Congress to cast an affirmative vote on the Farm Bill and provide the assurance America’s agricultural community needs to continue to feed the world and protect our natural resources.