Washington, D.C. - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today released the following statement after the US Department of Agriculture temporary changes to their major conservation programs to help livestock producers as this summer's drought intensifies.
"The efforts announced today by the USDA are good first steps to start helping Iowa farmers affected by this summer's drought. If this drought continues, farmers will need more help.
"That's why I'll keep working with the USDA to ensure we're doing everything possible to stand behind farmers during this challenging time. The drought not only threatens the livelihood of countless Iowa farmers, it will have incredible effects on Iowa's economy. That's why it's so important we do everything we can to keep Iowa farmers on their feet.
"And with many of the disaster recovery programs from the 2008 Farm Bill already expired, it's more important than ever we quickly get a new Farm Bill passed into law."
The assistance announced today takes advantage of the Secretary of Agriculture's existing authority to help create and encourage flexibility within four USDA programs: the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP), and the Federal Crop Insurance Program.
More details on the USDA steps announced today can be found at the following link: http://go.usa.gov/fEp
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