After taking the federal government to task on Feb. 29 regarding a new Farm Bill and the Waters of the United States Rule established by the Environmental Protection Agency, the American Farm Bureau Federation issued a statement the following day welcoming the creation of an EPA Office of Ag and Rural Affairs.
President Zippy Duvall commented Friday, March 1, on the formation of the Office of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, saying, “AFBF appreciates Administrator Michael Regan for creating a new Office of Agriculture and Rural Affairs in EPA. Mr. Regan recognizes the important role farmers and ranchers play in preserving the natural resources they’ve been entrusted with. We look forward to working with Rod Snyder as he directs the new office, and we encourage him to collaborate with families in rural America to ensure their voices are heard, and they are treated as partners.
In last week’s Zipline, Duvall said, “Even though Congress passed an extension of the 2018 farm bill, getting a new farm bill done is still a priority for us. Farmers and ranchers need a modernized farm bill reflecting the changes our industry has undergone in the last five years. It’s time for our lawmakers to pass a farm bill soon.”
A Feb. 29 AFBF press release said, “The Waters Advocacy Coalition commented today on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Army Corps of Engineers listening sessions held this month to identify issues that may arise from the Waters of the United States Rule. The listening sessions held by the Corps and EPA on implementing the definition of WOTUS were disappointing, to say the least. Missing was any meaningful exchange of information or even answers to basic questions. For stakeholders of all kinds to ensure effective water quality protection, there must be a consistent, predictable, and durable WOTUS definition. Together with commonsense permitting reform, we can lay a foundation to meet ambitious infrastructure and climate goals. Our associations call on the agencies to engage with us and other stakeholders to provide the clarity needed to comply with the law and effectively address these important national issues.”
The Waters Advocacy Coalition includes nearly 50 organizations representing agriculture, energy, infrastructure, construction and real estate, manufacturing, mining, specialty pesticides, state departments of agriculture and many other job creators.
