MEDIA CONTACT:
Tamara Hinton, 202.225.0184
tamara.hinton@mail.house.gov
WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Glenn 'GT' Thompson, Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee's Subcommittee on Conservation, Energy, and Forestry, held a public hearing to examine the benefits of promoting soil health in agriculture and rural America. Healthy soil is critical to help producers both feed the world and protect the environment. Congress recognized this after the nation suffered a devastating drought, which led to the Dust Bowl of the 1930s. Congress established the Soil Conservation Service as a part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 1935. The agency was later renamed the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Discussion during the hearing centered on the history and role of the agency, efforts to improve soil health on the state and local level, how the new farm bill will improve conservation practices and soil management, and what other methods can be taken to protect our natural resources.
"Farmers are the original environmentalists and I am pleased to see so many farmers in Pennsylvania and across the country engaging in innovative practices to promote soil health. I am proud of this committee and the important work under the 2014 Farm Bill to improve and expand voluntary conservation programs, including in the area of soils. I also want to thank the Natural Resources Conservation Service, including Chief Weller, for their tireless work to implement these programs and help our farmers and producers enhance conservation practices in this particular area. These are important tools that will enable agriculture to produce the food necessary for an increasing population on less acres, while assisting farmers and ranchers in positive stewardship of the land," said Chairman Glenn 'GT' Thompson (R-PA-5).
"Research shows us that employing cover crops can significantly benefit both the environment and farmer’s bottom lines. Today’s hearing was an opportunity to learn more about these successes while looking at ways to address any challenges related to implementing cover crops, such as ensuring cover crop use doesn’t make producers ineligible for crop insurance or other safety net programs," said Ranking Member Timothy Walz (D-MN-01).
Written testimony provided by the witnesses is linked below. Click here for the archived webcast.
Witness List:
Panel I
Mr. Jason Weller, Chief, Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C.
Panel II
Mr. John Larson, CEO, National Association of Conservation Districts, Washington, D.C.
Ms. Shanon Phillips, Director, Water Quality, Oklahoma Conservation Commission, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Mr. Jim Harbach, Farm Manager, Schrack Farms, Loganton, Pennsylvania
Ms. Jill Sackett, Extension Educator, Ag Production Systems, University of Minnesota Extension Regional Office, Mankato, Minnesota
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