The 2007 federal Farm Bill, which will be considered by the House Agriculture Committee next week, includes unprecedented, targeted conservation funding for the Chesapeake Bay Region. That funding is critical to the health of local farms, and water quality in rivers, streams and the Chesapeake Bay.

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation thanks Congressmen Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tim Holden (D-PA), and Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), the ranking Republican on the Committee, for standing fast to help the region’s farm families implement proven technologies that will protect agriculture and improve the health of our waterways,” CBF’s Federal Affairs Director Doug Siglin said. “The region’s farmers have repeatedly demonstrated their willingness to implement conservation measures, but they can’t foot the bill alone.”

Rep. Van Hollen, joined by many Representatives across the watershed, was instrumental in securing $150 million in conservation funding dedicated to the Chesapeake Bay region, and will be working with Chairman Collin Peterson (D-MN), Rep. Goodlatte, and Rep. Holden when the legislation comes before the Committee next week.

Funding will be distributed as part of a comprehensive strategy that addresses problems on a watershed basis developed by Rep. Holden, Chairman of the Conservation Subcommittee.

The watersheds receiving the initial focus will be the Susquehanna and Patuxent. The Potomac and the Shenandoah have also been added at the request of Congressmen Van Hollen and Goodlatte.

Along with Van Hollen’s $150 million increase over five years specifically targeted for the Bay region, the legislation as drafted includes an additional $250 million as the regional share of national conservation program increases over the life of the bill.

While the level of funding will not fully pay for the federal share of implementation of agricultural portions of the roadmap to restoration that Bay scientists have developed, CBF and those working to improve the health of local waterways applaud this increased funding.

For more information, visit the Chesapeake Bay Foundation Farm Bill webpage.

7/13/2007