PUBLIC NEWS SERVICE • March 7, 2023
The Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy reports nearly three quarters of farmers across the country who applied for two types of U.S. Department of Agriculture conservation programs are turned away. Small to mid-size farm advocates are calling on Congress to double spending on conservation programs in the next Farm Bill, which currently stands at between $6 billion and $6.5 billion, as well as increasing oversight and assistance to be sure the programs work. Debate on the Farm Bill is scheduled to begin in September.