Farm Bill: Investing in the Great Lakes and Land Conservation

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today visited Frankenmuth to discuss implementation of the 2014 Farm Bill's historic investment in Great Lakes and private land conservation. The Farm Bill was signed into law just over thirty days ago by President Obama at Michigan State University. Now, the focus shifts to implementing the biggest investment our country makes in private land and water conservation.

Sen. Stabenow met with Michigan agriculture and conservation leaders at the Bavarian Inn Lodge to get input and discuss what the next steps are as the U.S. Department of Agriculture begins implementing the new law. The Senate Agriculture Committee will provide oversight and input during the implementation process.

"President Obama came to Michigan just over a month ago to sign the Farm Bill, and so now we need to be focused on implementing the law," said Stabenow. "The Farm Bill is the biggest investment our country makes in conservation and includes a new regional partnership program that will protect our Great Lakes for future generations. I will continue working closely with Michigan farmers and conservation leaders, who are on the frontlines protecting our Great Lakes and natural resources, as we work to put the Farm Bill's reforms into effect."

The 2014 Farm Bill has one of the strongest conservation titles in generations thanks to the voluntary partnership between agricultural and conservation groups and will help farmers conserve soil health, protect water quality, and restore wildlife habitat in the Great Lakes Bay region and across our state. The Farm Bill includes a new regional partnership program that will protect our Great Lakes and watersheds for future generations to enjoy. It will also open up new areas for people to access private lands to enjoy hunting and fishing.

The Farm Bill also represents rare bipartisan agreement on a major jobs bill - legislation that will help grow Michigan's agriculture economy, the state's second-largest industry. The 2014 Farm Bill reduces the deficit by $23 billion and represents the most significant reform of American agriculture policy in decades. For more information on the 2014 Farm Bill, click here.