WASHINGTON, D.C. — The newly unveiled Build Back Better Act will make the largest investment in agriculture conservation since the Dust Bowl. The newly released text includes $27.15 billion in new investments in U.S. Department of Agriculture conservation programs and collaborative partnerships focused on enabling America’s farms, ranches, and private forests to be part of the climate solution. The National Wildlife Federation heralded President Biden and House and Senate Agriculture Committee Chairs Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and David Scott’s (D-Ga.) leadership and urged congressional leaders to swiftly pass the legislation.

“The Build Back Better Act’s proposal to invest $27.15 billion in on-farm conservation and USDA conservation programs underscores the central role that farmers, ranchers and private forest owners play in addressing the climate crisis,” said Aviva Glaser, senior director of agriculture policy at the National Wildlife Federation. “This transformative investment into popular and effective USDA conservation programs and practices will create jobs, support rural communities, reduce emissions, and create benefits for soil, water, and wildlife. Thank you to President Biden, Chairwoman Stabenow, and Chairman Scott for ensuring that the Build Back Better Act invests in agriculture conservation and provides the funding needed to ensure that farmers, ranchers, and private forest owners are empowered to be a critical part of the climate solution.”