Pennsylvania, with over one-quarter of its land dedicated to farmland, boasts a vibrant agricultural sector. Of the state's 52,700 farms, 88% are small-scale producers earning less than $250,000 in annual gross revenue. As Congress prepares to deliberate the 2023 Farm Bill, an invaluable opportunity arises to prioritize resources for Pennsylvania farms, ensuring access to clean water for future generations, mitigating pollution, fostering resilience against climate change, and promoting profitable operations.
The Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts (PACD), representing all 66 conservation districts in the state, strongly advocates for funding state and federal conservation programs. These districts serve as local government units, working in collaboration with landowners, local governments, and various partners to provide technical and financial assistance in natural resource conservation. PACD's supported programs have already allocated nearly $46 million to Pennsylvania's producers, enabling them to implement environmentally beneficial best management practices (BMPs) on approximately 155,658 acres of farmland through 733 contracts.
To respond to growing demands and ensure the success of resource protection efforts, the 2023 Farm Bill should allocate increased funding to these highly effective programs. A critical factor for success lies in the presence of well-trained field staff who can efficiently target the most effective practices in the most crucial locations, thereby accelerating the progress of restoration initiatives. Moreover, funding for technical assistance personnel at the local level, facilitated by conservation districts, becomes vital for preserving both surface and groundwater resources.
While farmland occupies 28% of Pennsylvania's land, forest lands encompass a significant 58%, totaling 16.8 million acres. The state's 11.5 million acres of non-industrial private forest lands, owned and operated by over 738,000 landowners, play a crucial role in carbon sequestration, wildlife preservation, and maintaining the resilience of streams against extreme weather conditions. Implementing forest buffers and streamside trees as cost-effective BMPs for pollution reduction in rivers and streams is of paramount importance.
Additionally, the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) offers a voluntary federal-state partnership that incentivizes landowners to withdraw marginal lands from agricultural production under long-term contracts. Legislative changes in the 2023 Farm Bill, such as eliminating enrollment barriers and providing incentives for landowners, would revitalize the CREP program, benefiting water quality enhancement efforts in Pennsylvania.
The Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts urges citizens to join their cause by supporting increased funding for these federal programs in the forthcoming Farm Bill. By bolstering small family farms, landowners, and the preservation of clean rivers and streams, Pennsylvania can strive towards a sustainable future. It is crucial to reach out to respective U.S. representatives and senators to express support for this vital legislation.
(Brenda J. Shambaugh, Executive Director for the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Inc.)
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Categories: Pennsylvania, Government & Policy