Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet led 18 colleagues in urging the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture to strengthen conservation programs authorized in the Farm Bill. In a letter late last week, Bennet and colleagues wrote to the committee’s chairman, Senator Mark Pryor of Arkansas and ranking member, Roy Blunt of Missouri.
“These programs help protect land, conserve soil, protect water quality, and preserve wildlife habitat through cooperative and voluntary efforts,” the Senators wrote. “In particular, these programs maintain the availability of hunting lands, allow our traditional farmlands to be passed from generation to generation, and conserve our nation’s rich natural resources. During these difficult budget times, we recognize the challenges of allocating limited financial resources among a wide variety of worth programs, but we believe that prioritizing conservation and enhancement of our national natural resources is a vital investment in our future.”
In the midst of the worst drought in generations and following a devastating wildfire season, conservation programs will help farmers and ranchers in Colorado and across the nation address increasing agricultural and environmental challenges while also ensuring the vitality and viability of family farms and ranches across the country.
Senator Bennet and several colleagues reintroduced the Farm Bill in the 113th Congress that includes improvements to conservation programs. Last June, the Senate passed the 2012 Farm Bill that included several provisions Bennet secured to strengthen conservation and support Colorado farmers, ranchers, and sportsmen.
Click here to read the letter from Senator Bennet and colleagues to Chairman Mark Pryor and Ranking Member Roy Blunt.
Senator Bennet is the Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Forestry and Natural Resources – the subcommittee with jurisdiction over Farm Bill conservation programs.