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The National Association of Conservation Districts says farm bill is needed now

The president of the National Association of Conservation Districts says a farm bill must be passed this year, so farmers and landowners can continue to implement voluntary and incentive-based programs instead of a one-size fits all approach.

Brent Van Dyke says the success of this model is tied to funding for the conservation title.

“The farm bill is going to be that safety net, it’s going to give us the opportunity to set goals long-term and support grassroots endeavors,” he says.

The New Mexico farmer and rancher says funding was significantly cut in the 2014 Farm Bill so it’s critical to prevent further cuts.

Van Dyke tells Brownfield he is hopeful a farm bill will be passed during the Lame Duck session.

“Now we’ve said that before-we thought we would have one by September 30th but it’s so important and with the new House I hope we can get a new farm bill before January so we can start making plans,” he says.

The National Association of Conservation Districts represents America’s 3,000 conservation districts.

Van Dyke spoke to Brownfield at the 2018 NAFB Convention in Kansas City.

Audio: Brent Van Dyke, National Association of Conservation Districts 

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