Farmers Rally Against Cuts to Essential Federal Support for Soil Conservation
The agricultural community is up in arms over significant reductions in personnel at a pivotal federal agency that has been instrumental in aiding farmers with soil conservation for nearly a century.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has played a crucial role in sustaining agricultural practices since its inception during the Dust Bowl era of the 1930s. By supporting soil and water protection efforts, it has been a lifeline for farmers. However, the agency suffered a nearly 25% reduction in its workforce last year, and further cuts loom on the horizon, raising alarm among farmers. Eva Tesfaye from WWNO in New Orleans sheds light on the potential impact of these cuts on the farming community.
River Queen Greens, located adjacent to the Mississippi River and a short drive from downtown New Orleans, exemplifies the critical role of NRCS. This farm, known for its certified naturally grown vegetables, utilizes cover crops during its off season to enhance soil quality. Co-owner Annie Moore highlights how these crops, like sunflowers, significantly improve soil health annually.
ANNIE MOORE: “We get a huge amount of plant material over, like, two or three months, and it makes a really big difference for – like, every year we come back, and the soil is so much improved in the fall.”
Cover crops, planted between cash crop cycles, are vital for nutrient retention and weed prevention without chemical fertilizers or herbicides. Yet, these crops don’t generate direct income, making NRCS support for purchasing cover crop seeds essential. Moore observes a growing challenge in accessing NRCS assistance within the New Orleans area.
MOORE: “For a brief shining moment, there was an NRCS representative in New Orleans. He was just part of the community here, which was really special to have that.”
Last year, NRCS experienced a loss of over 2,500 employees from a total workforce of 12,000 within the first half of the year. Proposals from the USDA to further cut 3,000 employees next year exacerbate concerns. In Louisiana, this would reduce the number of full-time NRCS staff from 37 to a mere five statewide. Although the USDA assures continued support, farmers remain skeptical. Stephen Logan, a cotton, corn, soybean, and peanut farmer, underscores the necessity of having knowledgeable NRCS personnel on-site.
STEPHEN LOGAN: “It’s important to have personnel, you know, available that know your farm and that can come and look at your farm because just to get on a computer and click on practices, I mean, there’s a lot more to it than that.”
NRCS staff, composed predominantly of scientists and engineers, perform essential on-farm visits to ensure proper conservation practices. Andy Brown, the Louisiana Farm Bureau’s public policy director, notes the loss of institutional expertise over the past two decades due to retirements.
ANDY BROWN: “It’s not as easy for NRCS to just go get Joe Blow (ph) off the street and expect them to be able to provide technical assistance to farmers who are already pretty well experts in those things.”
Farmers commonly engage with the USDA through NRCS offices, and the agency’s programs are well-regarded. Brown indicates that farmers have voiced their concerns to representatives regarding the cuts.
BROWN: “We have heard from our membership that there has been difficulty getting the assistance they’re looking for in a timely fashion. So we have fought back. We have a voice. We think that’s a little deeper cut than we really want to see.”
The future of NRCS hinges on an agriculture appropriations bill that proposes reinstating approximately $600 million, potentially reducing the severity of staff cuts. The bill awaits Senate approval.
(SOUNDBITE OF LOUIS ARMSTRONG SONG, “BASIN STREET BLUES”)
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