The following is a press release from the National Farmers Union:
WASHINGTON (June 4, 2012) – National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson sent a letter today to members of the House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture supporting the Protect Our Prairies Act, recently introduced by Reps. Kristi Noem, R-S.D., and Tim Walz, D-Minn. The legislation would establish a federal sodsaver provision that would help conserve native sod and grasslands.
“Native grasslands are significant natural resources, both for agricultural production and for the abundance of wildlife benefits they provide,” said Johnson. “Planting decisions that convert native grassland to crop production should not be incentivized by federal farm policy.”
NFU policy supports a federal sodsaver provision which disallows the payment of farm and crop insurance subsidies and linked federal or disaster relief for the financial assurance of crops planted on land without any previous cropping history.
“The legislation by Reps. Walz and Noem would reduce crop insurance assistance for the first four years for crops grown on native sod and certain grasslands converted to cropland while also saving taxpayers nearly $200 million,” said Johnson.
National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.
Source: National Farmers Union
Posted by Haylie Shipp
