The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) is pleased the fiscal year 2023 omnibus appropriations bill passed the Congress and was sent to the White House for signing. They say the agreement supports voluntary, locally-led conservation efforts across the country by providing strong funding for critical conservation programs and initiatives.
The package includes no cuts to mandatory spending for USDA farm bill conservation programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), and Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). It also has $941 million for Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) operations, including more than $800 million for conservation technical assistance. Plus, $925 million for the NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program, of which $75 million goes to watershed protection and flood prevention operations.
NACD notes the funding supports the work of conservation districts and other local partners to help producers assess resource needs, develop conservation plans, and implement effective conservation practices.