The Voice of Fish & Wildlife Agencies: Agricultural Conservation

Focus Areas

The Farm Bill

The Farm Bill is a law that allows Congress to periodically examine and modify American agriculture programs. Although the first Farm Bill was developed in the 1920s to specifically address agricultural commodities, today it also includes important provisions supporting conservation on farms, ranches and private forest land.

The voluntary conservation programs in the Farm Bill help landowners create and enhance fish and wildlife habitat on their property. Approximately 70% of the United States is privately owned–making private landowners invaluable partners in fish and wildlife conservation efforts.

The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies and many individual state agencies work closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, assisting in implementation of Farm Bill conservation programs on the ground in ways that benefit fish and wildlife, and helping to improve these programs over time.

The 2008 Farm Bill, currently operating under an extension, will expire September 30, 2013. Congress must act this year–passing a Farm Bill in 2013–to keep these successful and cost-effective programs operational.

For more information, contact Bridget Collins at 202/624-7890 or bcollins@fishwildlife.org