Final Farm Bill Agreement Supports Conservation, Protects Health

WASHINGTON (January 28, 2014) – Senate and House negotiators have agreed on a new five-year farm bill that emphasizes Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow’s pro-conservation, farm-friendly approach, and turns aside House efforts to undermine safeguards for the nation’s land, water and air and public health.

Following is a statement from Franz Matzner, associate director of government affairs at the Natural Resources Defense Council:

“It is good news for America’s farmers, farm communities and our environment that Chairwoman Stabenow prevailed and that stewardship won over exploitation. This agreement rightly rejected radical attempts by the House to weaken protections of our health, wildlife, lands and water quality. It also invests in proven conservation compliance programs that minimize soil erosion, preserve wildlife habitat and protect our rivers and streams. Congress now should endorse this five-year plan because it will provide long-delayed stability and direction for American agriculture.”