WEBINAR REPLAY: 2023 FARM BILL
On Wednesday, May 17, ConservAmerica hosted a webinar on the 2023 Farm Bill. Titled Improving Conservation Outcomes on the Nation’s Working Lands: Reauthorizing the Farm Bill’s Conservation Title, Reauthorizing the Farm Bill’s Conservation Title, the webinar featured policy experts Josh Maxwell, Dave White, and Alex Echols, and was moderated by ConservAmerica General Counsel Brent Fewell.
The Farm Bill plays a crucial role in advancing conservation efforts in the United States by providing the necessary funding, incentives, and regulatory framework to preserve and protect agricultural lands, water resources, and wildlife habitats.
The bill provides nearly $6 billion annually for conservation. Unfortunately, many of the USDA’s conservation programs are oversubscribed and there is a need to make these programs more accessible to producers. Combined with the additional $19.5 billion in new funding under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) over five years for climate-smart agriculture, there is an opportunity to retool and expand conservation programs to benefit more working lands.
With the 2023 Farm Bill being debated, the discussion explored opportunities for Congress to invest in rural America, substantially improving access to conservation programs and outcomes beneficial to soil and forest health, water quality, and wildlife habitat.
To view the webinar replay, click the screen below.
Panelists
Josh Maxwell serves as Policy Director for the Republican Leader of the House Agriculture Committee, Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-PA). Previously, Josh served at the Committee as Senior Professional Staff for K. Michael Conaway (R-TX) and was lead policy advisor for the Conservation, Forestry, Credit, and Energy titles during the 2018 Farm Bill. Josh has served similar roles at the Committee for Congressman Frank Lucas (R-OK) during the 2014 Farm Bill and for Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) during the 2008 Farm Bill. Prior, Josh served as Legislative Correspondent for Congressman Joe Barton (R-TX).
Dave White has over 35 years of professional leadership experience in natural resource conservation with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and in the private sector. He was Chief of the NRCS from January 2009 to December 2012. As Chief, Dave led the nation’s largest private lands natural resource conservation organization. Prior to serving as Chief, he was the State Conservationist in Montana. Dave has spent significant time on Capitol Hill, helping craft the conservation titles of both the 2002 and 2008 Farm Bills.
Alex Echols joined the Campbell Foundation in January 2019. Prior to joining the Foundation, Alex ran an independent business to help advance conservation outcomes, particularly in water quality and biodiversity. He also built a company, Ecosystem Services Exchange, that improves farm profitability and water quality. Previously Alex ran the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, worked as the government affairs director of a recycling trade association, and worked for the U.S. Senate for 12 years. While working for the Senate, Alex was the principal staff lead in developing the Conservation Title of the Farm Bill.
Moderator
Brent Fewell serves as General Counsel to ConservAmerica and is the founder of Earth & Water Group. Brent has over 25 years of experience in public policy, advocacy, and environmental law. As an environmental lawyer and former corporate executive, former senior U.S. EPA official in EPA’s Offices of Water and Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations, and highly regarded thought leader on environmental policy and governance matters, his counsel and opinions are sought out by corporate and government leaders around the globe. Brent brings unparalleled energy and passion to the issues in a way that few do to help his clients navigate in an increasingly complex and nuanced regulatory environment.