Heitkamp Details Research, Conservation Priorities at ND Association of Soil Conservation Districts Meeting

Press Release

U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today spoke at the North Dakota Association of Soil Conservation Districts' annual meeting, covering her work to promote federally funded research and voluntary conservation efforts, and outlining her priorities for the 2018 Farm Bill.

In August, Heitkamp traveled across the state for a two-day Farm Bill tour, during which she met with North Dakota farmers, researchers, and agriculture leaders about a range priorities for the next Farm Bill -- including supporting research and funding voluntary conservation solutions that work for North Dakota farmers.

"In a state like North Dakota, our rural communities -- and their economies -- depend on the health of our soil," said Heitkamp. "That's why your work is so important, and why investments in research are among my top priorities as I fight for rural America in the U.S. Senate. Earlier this year, I got out in the field with North Dakota farmers and researchers to hear about their priorities for the next Farm Bill -- and I'm using that feedback to fight for a strong Farm Bill in 2018 that includes robust investments in research and voluntary conservation efforts."

The annual meeting brought together around 300 staff from the state's Soil Conservation Districts, North Dakota State University extensions, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), as well as farmers and ranchers from across the state.

Heitkamp spoke about some of her top agriculture successes in the U.S. Senate, such as the provisions she secured in the 2014 Farm Bill to boost North Dakota agriculture. As member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Heitkamp helped write, negotiate, and pass the 2014 Farm Bill, and has worked to implement and protect the Farm Bill for producers across North Dakota.

As a staunch advocate for rural America and farming communities, Heitkamp discussed some of her major priorities in the last Farm Bill and in upcoming negotiations for the 2018 Farm Bill. Those priorities include:

Promoting Pragmatic Conservation Practices: The 2014 Farm Bill has provided federal funding for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and the Conservation Stewardship Program, which give funds to producers in North Dakota so they can implement conservation practices. Additional funding for the State of North Dakota helps with wetland conservation and technical assistance.

Supporting Conservation Technical Assistance: Conservation Technical Assistance funding provided through the 2014 Farm Bill is used to pay for staff that help apply conservation practices on the ground with producers. The funding also helps pay for agreements and contracts so that partners like Soil Conservation Districts can promote conservation across the state. In 2016, $8.6 million in federal funding went to conservation planning and application in North Dakota, including new and renewed agreements with the state's 37 Soil Conservation Districts.

Investing in USDA and University-Led Research: Research through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agriculture Research Service (ARS), as well at the state's universities, helps the state develop top notch seed varieties and investigate innovative methods for pest protection and soil health. In August, Heitkamp visited Northern Plains Research Lab in Mandan to highlight the importance of promoting research that makes agricultural more efficient and sustainable. Research is one of Heitkamp's top priorities, and one she pushes for every year during the federal appropriations process.

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