Earthjustice Lauds Stabenow’s Farm Bill, Advocates Bipartisanship
TL/DR –
U.S. Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow has released a summary of the Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act, which reauthorizes the Farm Bill and includes conservation programs, climate guardrails, increased support for data and research programs, and expanded grants for underserved farmers. The bill also prioritizes scientific and community input in decision-making regarding national forests, urban forestry, and tribal partnerships. Earthjustice Legislative Director Ranjani Prabhakar applauded the bill, citing the inclusion of more than 100 bipartisan priorities and calling for a bipartisan process to advance a Farm Bill that addresses modern challenges such as climate change.
Washington, D.C. U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee Releases New Farm Bill
U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee’s Chairwoman, Debbie Stabenow, today unveiled a detailed summary of the Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act. The Act, a reauthorisation of the Farm Bill, upholds key conservation and climate measures from the Inflation Reduction Act, strengthens support for data and research programs like Climate Hubs, and broadens grant possibilities for underserved farmers via the Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovation Production. Also, the bill prioritises science and community engagement in decisions about national forests, while promoting urban forestry and tribal partnerships.
Statement from Earthjustice
Ranjani Prabhakar, Earthjustice Legislative Director of the Healthy Communities Program, responded to the news:
“Despite a prolonged and regrettably partisan process, this bill summary encompassing over 100 bipartisan priorities signifies progress towards climate, clean water, and biodiversity goals. It showcases Senator Stabenow’s unwavering backing for US farmers and her profound regard for evidence-based, sustainable, and justice-driven natural agricultural solutions.”
“The emphasis Senator Stabenow places on core environmental laws and community participation in managing our national forests, and the recognition of the crucial role agriculture has in tackling climate crisis effects, is commendable. Thanks to full incorporation of climate terms from the Inflation Reduction Act, farmers will have more resources to cope with the impacts of extreme weather and excessive heat and drought. This not only enhances the economic vitality and quality of life of farming communities but also supports popular conservation practices that help farmers reduce their emissions.”
“A partisan approach could harm farmers and families nationwide, who rely on the Farm Bill funds. Measures to assist the agriculture industry in reducing its emissions are essential for our planet. We applaud Senator Stabenow’s call for bipartisan collaboration and urge the Senate to swiftly progress a Farm Bill that confronts contemporary challenges.”
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