Contact: Mark Schultz, LSP, 612-722-6377

12/17/03
WASHINGTON, D.C.—This morning, USDA Secretary Ann Veneman announced the Bush Administration would issue a proposed rule to implement the Conservation Security Program, the 2002 Farm Bill’s signature environmental program. Below is a statement by Mark Schultz, Policy Program Director for the Land Stewardship Project, a leading advocate for this first ever U.S. “green payments” farm program:

“After more than a year of stalling and delay, Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman announced today the release of the draft rules for the Conservation Security Program. Finally, we have movement on a program that should have been up and running a year ago.

“However, until farmers and conservationists look at the rules proposed by the Bush Administration, we will not know for sure whether what they plan to implement is the long-awaited comprehensive stewardship incentives program or damaged goods that need to be returned and fixed. One thing is certain—family farmers and others concerned with land stewardship and vital rural communities, who fought long and hard to win this innovative program, will be ready to offer their comments to USDA on how to implement the CSP in a manner that will fulfill congressional intent and best serve the interests of family farmers, taxpayers and the environment.

“The Conservation Security Program is the most important new farm legislation in years. We congratulate Congressional negotiators for deciding last month, in the pending fiscal year 2004 spending bill, to restore the CSP to its full entitlement program status, and for restoring over $3 billion in cuts made earlier this year. Restoration of these funds will mean that all farmers and ranchers ready, willing and able to utilize farming systems that protect and enhance soil and natural resources and provide clean air and water will have the opportunity to participate. Properly implemented, the CSP will make a big difference to family farms and the environment. We will judge the USDA’s proposed rules in large measure by how well they reward outstanding environmental performance and how consistent they are with the entitlement status and payment limits written in the 2002 Farm Bill.

“The Land Stewardship Project wants more successful farmers raising both crops and livestock on the land. The Conservation Security Program can help make that happen.”

-30-