Washington, D.C., April 27, 2005 — House and Senate negotiators announced a FY06 budget resolution today that includes a $3 billion reduction in agricultural spending. The cuts will occur over the next five years and could threaten to put conservation programs on the chopping block.

"U.S. farmers and ranchers manage one billion acres of private land in America. Congress needs to protect existing public financial support for sound management of this land," said American Farmland Trust President Ralph Grossi.

Since the 2002 Farm Bill, conservation programs have suffered $3.8 billion in cuts. Last year alone, federal conservation programs experienced a $4.3 billion backlog due to insufficient funds, preventing three out of every four applicants from receiving needed assistance.

"While we recognize that a number of difficult decisions must now be made, we urge Congress to ensure that cuts are made equitably across the wide array of agricultural programs," said Grossi. "Conservation programs have already endured extensive cuts and should not continue to be restricted. These programs provide invaluable environmental benefits to taxpayers, like clean air and water, scenic open spaces and habitat for wildlife."

The public and most farmers support stewardship-based farm policies that encourage more diverse farming systems, reduce economic and environmental risks and produce a broader array of public benefits. Public opinion surveys conducted by American Farmland Trust indicate that 85 percent of voters expect and are willing to pay farmers for those benefits, and at least 65 percent of urban-edge landowners would welcome such payments.

"In a time of record federal deficit, conservation programs prove to be a good value and a good investment for taxpayers," said Grossi. "Congress must act to allow these important programs to continue their good work without threat of further substantial cuts."