Take Action to Support Conservation Programs for Farmers

Dear Senator,

I urge you to vote for $6 billion in new conservation funding in the 2007 Farm Bill.

America's farmers, ranchers and forest landowners produce an extraordinary bounty of food and fiber - as well as clean water, clean air and habitat for wildlife. We cannot solve some of our most pressing environmental challenges unless we reward, rather than reject, landowners when they offer to help by enrolling in USDA?s voluntary conservation programs. Currently about 50,000 farmers are rejected every year from these programs due to lack of funds.

Renewal of farm and food policies in the 2007 Farm Bill creates a rare opportunity to compensate these hardworking landowners when they take on the added costs of providing a healthy environment.

The House Farm Bill, passed in July, provided $4.5 billion in conservation funding increases- a step in the right direction. However, it still left many critical conservation programs severely underfunded.

$6 billion in new funding is needed to help meet demand and address some of our most pressing environmental challenges. Shifting some funds from commodity subsidies is one way to pay for these priorities.

Please support these critical conservation priorities and make farmland stewardship the centerpiece of the 2007 Farm Bill when it is voted on by the US Senate.

Thank you.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]