Legislators Emphasize Farmer Participation in Conservation Programs Must Stay Voluntary

In the next level of discussion on the 2023 Farm Bill on March 1, legislators underscored the importance of elective participation in federal conservation programs.
“Conservation needs and the needs of our producers are as diverse as the crops they grow and the land that they grow them on. Our programs must reflect this reality and provide the flexibility our farmers and ranchers need,” Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.) said during the hearing.
Boozman noted that Washington prioritizes a “limited set of practices” regarding natural resource protection. Much of it focuses on “climate-smart” agriculture and carbon capture initiatives.
Forestry programs and land conservation efforts under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) are extensive….}