A poll released by National Farmers Union shows that the nation’s farmers believe conservation programs and environmental stewardship are key components of the farm bill. More than five-hundred American farmers across 13 Midwestern and Great Plains states were surveyed. Eighty-six percent of respondents said the level of conservation funding should be maintained or increased – with nearly half stating they would be less likely to support a member of Congress who voted to cut conservation funding more than the six-billion dollars in the Senate-passed legislation. Conservation programs ranked as the second-highest priority for inclusion in the farm bill – with farmers viewing conservation as a priority that’s vital to their long-term economic viability. In fact – nearly three-quarters said conservation programs help their bottom line. Also – by a nearly two-to-one margin – NFU says the poll shows farmers believe farmers should be required to meet some environmental standards in order to receive federal benefits such as crop insurance.

NFU President Roger Johnson says these survey findings demonstrate the deep commitment farmers across the heartland have to conservation. As Congress moves forward with the farm bill – Johnson says NFU would emphasize the important role of conservation programs in environmental stewardship and continued productivity.