Preserve Conservation as a Priority in USDA Reorganization, Urges Izaak Walton League
Today, the Izaak Walton League of America sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins with five recommendations regarding the proposed restructuring of the Department.
The letter states, “restructuring should not interrupt the Department’s important work to provide support to farmers, ranchers and landowners in stewarding our natural resources,” and concludes, “we urge you to ensure that delivering robust technical and financial assistance for conservation is a top priority.”
“Healthier soils, cleaner water and improved wildlife habitat benefit all Americans and are the returns taxpayers expect for that investment.”
The letter makes several recommendations:
- Program enrollments, reimbursements and technical assistance for conservation programs should not be interrupted or delayed due to reorganization.
- With additional resources Congress authorized for NRCS, staff capacity in local USDA offices should match the upcoming increased workload to ensure successful implementation.
- Organize listening sessions or other opportunities for farmers and ranchers to share feedback on their experiences with USDA and the reorganization plan.
- Consider how restructuring the National Agricultural Statistics Service may impact the Department’s effectiveness in collecting Census of Agriculture data in 2027.
- Because Department staff are hardworking and often highly specialized in their expertise, please provide them with flexibility and resources throughout any transition.
Contact:
Kate Hansen, Agriculture Program Director, Izaak Walton League
Founded in 1922, the Izaak Walton League fights for clean air and water, healthy fish and wildlife habitat and conservation of our natural resources for future generations. The League plays a unique role in supporting community-based science and local conservation and has a long legacy of shaping sound national policy. See www.iwla.org.
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