The USDA’s Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) are essential initiatives that give tens of thousands of farmers the tools they need to implement sustainable practices such as cover cropping and managed rotational grazing. Yet, a significant majority of farmers who apply to these programs are unable to access funding. In 2023, only 12% of CSP applicants in Minnesota were awarded contracts, less than half the national average of 31%. In 2023, only 22% of EQIP applicants in Minnesota were awarded contracts; the national average is 25%.

At the same time, hundreds of millions of dollars in EQIP and Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) funds were spent on infrastructure practices that bolster concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) and mega-cropping operations. These practices, such as anaerobic manure digesters, often provide little environmental benefit. In some cases, they actually cause environmental harm.

While there are several positive proposals in the Senate’s draft Farm Bill, there are also a number of proposals that maintain the status quo and even double down on using programs like EQIP, CSP, and REAP for CAFOs.

Take action! Ask your U.S. Senator to ensure the next Farm Bill invests public dollars into small and mid-sized farmers, a fair farm economy, and real climate solutions.

—Take Action Here—

— Read LSP’s Blog on the Senate’s Proposed Farm Bill —