Farm Bill
Recent IA Activities
IA SUBMITS RECOMMENDATIONS TO HOUSE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE
May 18, 2012
On April 26, the Subcommittee on Conservation, Energy and Forestry conducted a hearing on conservation programs relating to the formulation of the 2012 farm bill. In an effort to build upon that hearing and obtain as much information as possible, the House Committee on Agriculture requested that interested parties submit their recommendations for the 2012 farm bill.
The Irrigation Association submitted our official recommendations to the committee on May 18. To view IA’s comments, please click here.
IA Testimony to the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Energy and Forestry
July 18, 2011
On July 7, 2011, the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Energy and Forestry conducted a hearing entitled, “Agricultural Program Audit: Examination of Conservation Programs.” During the hearing, Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Dave White, testified to the benefits of the conservation programs administered by the NRCS and the USDA’s desire to see these programs continue through the development of the 2012 farm bill.
The subcommittee also invited the Irrigation Association to submit comments for the official record, which were submitted on July 18, 2011. Click here to view IA’s statement.
IA Letter to Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry Leadership
June 15, 2011
In response to a May 26, 2011, hearing entitled, “Food for Thought: The Role, Risks and Challenges for American Agriculture and the Next Farm Bill in Meeting the Demands of a Growing World,” the IA sent a letter to Committee Chairwoman Senator Debbie Stabenow (Dem.- Mich.) and Senator Pat Roberts (Rep. – Kans.) regarding the Irrigation Association’s position on the benefits of efficient irrigation in meeting the current and future demands of our growing global population, specifically focusing on the need for a safe and reliable food supply. Click here to view the IA’s letter.
IA 2010 Legislative Conference
May 18-20, 2010
EQIP funding was one of the priority issues during IA’s 2010 Legislative Conference. Thirty members heard presentations by policy makers and influencers and participated in more than 45 meetings with elected officials and staffers to discuss issues facing the irrigation industry.
Attendees asked Congressional leaders to adhere to the $1.588 billion EQIP authorization allocated by the 2008 Farm Bill.
Clarification Regarding USDA's Announcement for Additional California Drought Relief Funding
March 31, 2010
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently pledged an additional $10 million to California farmers struggling with drought-related water restrictions. The funding is offered through a special drought initiative under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.
The new EQIP funding adds "the option of converting farms to highly water-efficient micro-irrigation systems." IA staff has confirmed with the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service that both micro-irrigation and sprinkler irrigation systems will be eligible for the additional funding.
California growers will be able to select which type of efficient irrigation system best fits their operation while gaining relief from the area's crippling droughts. Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Tulare counties are eligible for drought assistance. Registration for the drought initiative will run through April 9, 2010.
For more, read USDA's press release or the detailed program description.
Fiscal Year 2011 EQIP Appropriation
March 19, 2010
The Irrigation Association recently submitted testimony to the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Industries. IA’s testimony requested that the committee appropriate the mandatory spending level of $1.588 billion for Fiscal Year 2011 for EQIP.
Read IA’s testimony on the EQIP appropriation.