Western United Dairymen wants leaders of the House and Senate agriculture committees to support funding for the USDA Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).
Source: WUD Weekly Update
Western United Dairymen (WUD) is calling upon congressional leaders of the House and Senate agriculture committees to support funding for the USDA Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).
WUD joined with 20 other livestock and poultry groups in urging Senate Agriculture Committee chair Debbie Stabenow and House Agriculture Committee chair Frank Lucas to maintain the funding necessary for this program, while continuing the allocation formula for the livestock and poultry industries currently in law.
“The EQIP program is the most effective tool to mitigate and address the many air and water quality issues facing these industries,” WUD says. “By providing an opportunity to share the costs to construct and upgrade farms with the best technologies and practices available, livestock and poultry farmers have a vital resource through EQIP to ensure they can continue to be great stewards of the land—especially in light of the additional regulations currently being promulgated and implemented by the EPA and state regulatory authorities.”
The cost-share assistance in EQIP has been proven effective over the span of several farm bills now, notes WUD. “It is an entirely appropriate use of federal funds since everybody gains when a farmer builds a structure or implements a practice to mitigate the environmental impact of a livestock or poultry operation,” it says.
The organization urges that an allocation level of 60% for livestock and poultry farmers be maintained.
