Farm Bill

NACD's mission is to serve conservation districts by providing national leadership and a unified voice for natural resource conservation.

The farm bill, also known as the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008, is the most influential piece of legislation that affects agriculture in America. A new farm bill is re-authorized approximately every five years, directing farm program policy including conservation. Also known as Title II, conservation is one of fifteen titles that make up the omnibus legislation.

Farm bill conservation programs help producers comply with federal and state environmental rules, enhance soil and water quality, improve wildlife habitat, protect agricultural and grass lands and provide various other benefits.

The 2002 Farm Bill provided a significant boost to conservation efforts throughout the country. The 2008 bill builds upon the funding commitment from the 2002, providing and additional $4 billion in spending on conservation programs.

Farm bill conservation programs will undergo some changes as a result of provisions of the 2008 bill. NACD will be working with districts to provide comment and direction USDA on the changes and implementation of conservation programs.

For details about NACD's efforts, and details on the 2008 Farm Bill, go to the 2008 Farm Bill page.