This week’s meeting was a continuation of a markup held by the committee in early August. At that time, a series of amendments were considered and voted on. However, the committee did not pass the total package, largely due to unresolved disagreement on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamps). This week, participation of Republican Sens. McConnell and Tuberville, who were absent for the first vote, tipped the scales for the bill to pass along party lines.
Among its many elements that direct food and agriculture, the Farm Bill makes our country’s single largest investment in conservation on private lands. Legislation that will truly meet the moment must include strong conservation elements—the sum of the parts should improve water quality, soil health, wildlife habitat and more.
It is through this lens that the League analyzes the bill. Key elements and considerations for the Senate bill include:
State conservation investment should be refocused on soil health
The Senate Farm Bill includes an investment in state and Tribal conservation programs to the tune of $50 million a year. This idea was inspired by a proposal to invest in state and Tribal soil health programs championed by the League and partners. However, the Senate program’s purpose is described more broadly. As written, funding could be used for soil health, wildlife habitat or other local resource concerns broadly consistent with the conservation principles of the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
While the investment is a positive one, Senators should refocus its purpose on soil health. Doing so would create the only federal funding source available for states and Tribes specifically for soil health. It would also bolster our nation’s existing, in-demand state soil health programs and inspire the creation of new ones.
Members of the House of Representatives passed their own version of a Farm Bill earlier this year, led by Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson. The House version includes a similar program, entirely focused on soil health, at $100 million per year. This approach is preferred to make a sound investment in our nation’s soils.
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