Irrigation Association Commends U.S. Senate for Passing 2012 Farm Bill, Urges House Action
FALLS CHURCH, VA. (June 22, 2012) — By a vote of 64 to 35, yesterday the U.S. Senate passed the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2012, more commonly known as the 2012 farm bill. The Irrigation Association commends the U.S. Senate for passing this essential legislation, which reauthorizes U.S. agricultural programs through fiscal year 2017.
“Agricultural production is a keystone to our nation’s economy and history,” said IA’s Government Affairs Director John Farner. “This farm bill not only continues our nation’s rich tradition of promoting U.S. agriculture, it also places a strong focus on conservation programs that promote the efficient use of water, a vital natural resource, in U.S. agricultural production.”
The Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2012 reauthorizes the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, a program key to promoting efficient irrigation practices and technologies in agricultural production, at $1.5 billion for fiscal year 2013, $1.6 billion for fiscal year 2014 and $1.65 billion for fiscal years 2015 through 2017.
“The Irrigation Association now urges the U.S. House of Representatives to follow the Senate’s lead and pass a farm bill before the August recess,” continued Farner. “Passing a 2012 farm bill before the current farm bill programs expire on Sept. 30, 2012, is essential to the continued success of U.S. agriculture.”
The U.S. House Committee on Agriculture is expected to begin debating a 2012 farm bill this summer. IA joins groups such as the Western Agriculture and Conservation Coalition in supporting a strong focus on conservation programs throughout the farm bill debate.
About The Irrigation Association
The Irrigation Association is the leading membership organization for irrigation companies and professionals. Together with our members, we are committed to promoting efficient irrigation and to long-term sustainability of water resources for future generations. IA works to improve industry proficiency, advocate sound water management, and grow demand for water-efficient products and services. For more information, visit www.irrigation.org.