Farm Bill Proposal Codifies On-Farm Innovations Into USDA Policy

Statement by Callie Eideberg, Senior Policy Manager, Sustainable Agriculture at Environmental Defense Fund

(WASHINGTON, DC – March 6, 2018) The Accelerating Innovative Conservation Technologies and Practices Act, introduced today by U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico, directs the Department of Agriculture to update its process for adopting new and innovative conservation practices.

“USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) programs are only as effective as the science that guides their implementation. On-farm sustainability innovations often move faster than they can be codified into an agency’s rules and regulations, which hamstrings producers and NRCS staff.

“This bill streamlines the process for integrating technology advancements into conservation practice standards. These changes will improve farmers’ customer experience and environmental outcomes by allowing NRCS to direct funds to up-to-date best practices for soil health, nutrient management and water conservation.”

– Callie Eideberg, EDF Senior Policy Manager, Sustainable Agriculture

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