16 May 2007

2 minute read

North America

CFBF supports expanded funding in the 2007 Farm Bill for programs that would bolster overseas market development.

The organization is focusing its attention on programs that would not only benefit California farmers and ranchers but also increase economic opportunities for all commodities, promote efficiency, expand markets and encourage landowner conservation practices.

Kenny Watkins, CFBF second vice president and a cattle rancher in San Joaquin County, said conservation funding should be directed toward working farmlands, especially in California, where farmers face myriad environmental regulations and urban pressures.

"We have to make sure the money continues to help production agriculture deal with the environmental challenges we face that aren't economically feasible," he said, adding that while some conservation projects may be too costly upfront, "but if the government helps with it, we could address the problems sooner rather than later."

California currently receives about 2 percent of the total U.S. spending on farm conservation practices even though the state rates high in conservation goals and attributes. Watkins said there needs to be less emphasis on land retirement and more emphasis on landowner incentives to meet environmental compliance goals, and funds should be allocated to those states facing the stiffest environmental regulations.

"In California, the air and water quality standards are getting tougher and tougher," he said. "Bearing the brunt right now is the dairyman, so it's going to take a lot of money to help those dairymen deal with the environmental issues on air quality and water quality."