Fortenberry Helps Introduce Bipartisan Initiative to Continue Conservation Planning on Fragile Farm Land

Press Release

Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) this week joined Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA) to introduce H.R. 2260, legislation designed to enhance conservation goals in America.

"Our farmers and ranchers are the first stewards of the land," Fortenberry said. "This bill continues the practice of conservation planning for our most fragile lands to ensure we meet important environmental stewardship goals. This concept is widely upheld as an important conservation initiative by many in the agricultural and environmental communities. I look forward to its passage or inclusion in this year's Farm Bill."

H.R. 2260 will require farmers and ranchers to develop unique conservation plans when seeking to receive federal crop insurance subsidies on highly erodible lands. "This is a commonsense measure that is consistent with our nation's conservation policies," Fortenberry said.

Additionally, H.R. 2260 will:

* Apply to annually-tilled crops grown on highly erodible or fragile lands or any crops in wetlands, as determined by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA);

* Call on farmers in these areas to file a conservation plan with USDA that states how they will reduce and offset impacts in these areas;

* Delay the deadline for producers to come into compliance who are subject to conservation compliance for the first time for five years;

* Allow for all appeal processes to be exhausted before farmers are found to be out of compliance; and

* Provide exemptions for circumstances beyond the farmers control and actions taken in good faith.

Fortenberry is a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture. He is a former chairman of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight, and Credit.

Source