Today, U.S. Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow released a section-by-section summary of the Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act, which would reauthorize the Farm Bill. The bill upholds the popular conservation programs and climate guardrails set by the Inflation Reduction Act, increases support for data and research programs like Climate Hubs, and expands grant opportunities for historically underserved farmers through the Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovation Production. Additionally, the bill ensures that science and community input are integral parts of decision-making concerning our national forests while also elevating urban forestry and tribal partnerships.

After the release of the text, Earthjustice Legislative Director of the Healthy Communities Program Ranjani Prabhakar issued the following statement:

“After a drawn-out process unfortunately rife with partisanship, this bill summary that includes more than 100 bipartisan priorities is a step in the right direction for climate, clean water, and biodiversity. It demonstrates Senator Stabenow’s unwavering support for our nation’s farmers and her deep respect for science-based, sustainable, and justice-driven natural agricultural solutions.

“We’re pleased that Senator Stabenow reaffirms the importance of bedrock environmental laws and community engagement when it comes to managing our national forests while also recognizing the important role agriculture can play in mitigating the impacts of the climate crisis. Thanks to the full inclusion of climate provisions from the Inflation Reduction Act, farmers will have more resources to address the impacts of extreme weather and excessive heat and drought on the economic vitality and quality of life of farming communities, while also supporting wildly popular conservation practices that put cash back in farmers’ pockets and help reduce their emissions.

“A partisan process would be detrimental to the farmers and families across the country who depend on Farm Bill funding, and one that doesn’t include measures to help the agriculture industry reduce its emissions is ultimately damning for our planet. Senator Stabenow’s call for a bipartisan process is exactly what we need, and the Senate should quickly work together on advancing a Farm Bill that addresses the modern challenges we face.”