Joco Today

U.S. Senators Roger Marshall and Joni Ernst have introduced the Streamlining Conservation Practice Standards Act, aiming to modernize how conservation standards are updated at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The proposed legislation seeks to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles, thereby supporting farmers in their efforts to improve soil health and water quality.

Senator Marshall stated, "Streamlining updates to conservation practice standards helps cut the bureaucratic red tape that our farmers have been wrongly forced to navigate. Our producers work hard to find new, innovative ways to work the land while conserving its resources, and the federal government should be a partner in doing so – not a roadblock." He expressed pride in collaborating with Senator Ernst on this bipartisan initiative.

Senator Ernst shared her perspective from Iowa: "Traveling across Iowa, I regularly hear from farmers who are eager to implement conservation practices that improve soil health, water quality, and long-term productivity – but they face real barriers when rigid USDA standards slow things down." She emphasized the need for modernization of USDA's Natural Resource Conservation Service technical standards.

The bill is also supported by Senators Martin Heinrich and Richard Durbin. Senator Heinrich highlighted the potential benefits of regenerative agriculture: "By leveraging innovations in regenerative agriculture and soil health practices, we can help farmers and producers make their working lands more resilient."

Senator Durbin pointed out Illinois' position regarding farm conservation funds: "Illinois ranks fourth in the nation in planted cropland but for years has ranked as low as 37th in farm conservation funds that USDA distributes." He noted that existing USDA rules do not always align with individual farm needs.

The Streamlining Conservation Practice Standards Act aims to update USDA processes for developing new conservation practice standards through increased flexibility and routine updates.

The full text of the legislation is available online.