The legislation would clarify how the NRCS updates conservation practice standards
By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com
Legislation introduced in both the House of Representatives and the Senate is designed to support farmers with implementing conservation efforts.
The Streamlining Conservation Practice Standards Act, introduced by Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07) and Zachary Nunn (R-IA-03), clarifies how the National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) establishes and updates standards that help farmers adopt conservation methods.
Specifically, the bill would mandate a review process for existing standards at least once every five years and provide opportunities for public input. It would also make conservation practice standards more transparent and clarify purposes of Conservation Innovation Grants.
Farmers know the land better than anyone and should have the tools available to them to do what’s best for the land, Rep. Nunn said.
“There is no better steward of our land than farmers,” he said in a statement. “As producers prepare for the future, it’s important they have the tools and resources they need to succeed. No one understands the needs of their land better than farmers, so we must also ensure Iowa’s producers are in the driver’s seat as new conservation practices are developed.”
Industry groups have voiced support for the bill.
The Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance (FACA), which includes the American Farm Bureau and American Soybean Association, as well as Kiss the Ground, are in favor of the legislation and its intentions.
“This bipartisan legislation will improve the conservation practice standard process to make it more transparent and accessible,” FACA said in a statement. “With increased investment across NRCS programs, it is imperative that conservation practice standards are updated regularly to reflect the latest science and emerging innovations.”
Senators introduce their version of this bill in July.
Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Roger Marshall (R-KS) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), supported it.
“Farmers are always innovating to find new best practices on soil health and ag resiliency. My bipartisan Streamlining Conservation Practice Standards Act will support that by updating the process for adopting NRCS conservation practice standards,” Sen. Heinrich said on X in August.