Washington, DC (May 24, 2011) – The Agriculture Subcommittee of the House Committee on Appropriations is proposing to slash over a billion dollars from Farm Bill conservation and renewable energy programs. These cuts will undermine rural economies, wildlife, and investments in America’s energy future.
“These radical cuts could not come at a worse time,” said Aviva Glaser, agriculture policy coordinator for the National Wildlife Federation. “With increased pressures on working lands to produce food, fuel, and fiber for our nation and the world, Farm Bill conservation programs are needed now more than ever. These programs have demonstrated benefits for soil, water, wildlife, and rural economies.”
The proposed 2012 Agriculture Appropriations bill cuts funding for a number of key renewable energy programs that benefit farmers, including the Biomass Crop Assistance Program, which assists them with the cost of growing advanced bioenergy crops. “Eliminating funding for the Biomass Crop Assistance Program is extremely shortsighted and will significantly impede the development of next generation bioenergy,” said Julie Sibbing, director of agriculture programs for the National Wildlife Federation.