[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 73 (Thursday, May 24, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E924-E925]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     THE CONSERVATION SECURITY ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN R. THUNE

                            of south dakota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 24, 2001

  Mr. THUNE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank all Members who joined 
as original cosponsors of H.R. 1949. A special thank you goes to Ms. 
Kaptur of Ohio, the lead cosponsor and Ranking Member of the 
Agriculture Subcommittee of the House Committee on Appropriations. In 
this spirit of bipartisanship, we can move forward to address the 
conservation needs of the farmers in rural America.
  The Conservation Security Act (CSA) would create a win-win situation 
for farmers and the environment. The bill would allow farmers, ranchers 
and other agricultural producers to participate in a voluntary, 
incentive-based conservation program. Under this legislation, the 
farmer or rancher would not have to set aside land. It would give them 
resources to carry out conservation practices on working lands as they 
work to make a living off the land.
  CSA would allow landowners and operators to enter into contracts and 
receive payments based on the type of conservation practices they are 
willing to plan, implement and maintain. Conservation practices may 
include soil and residue management, contour farming, and cover 
cropping as well as comprehensive farm plans that take into account all 
the resource concerns of the agricultural operation.
  CSA would establish three tiers of progressive conservation 
practices, plans and payment levels while allowing for continued 
participation in other agriculture conservation programs. Under the 
legislation, a participant may also receive payments based on 
established practices and for adopting innovative practices and 
systems, pilot testing, new technologies, and new conservation 
techniques. The program is voluntary.
  I believe CSA is a balanced, responsible approach to encouraging 
conservation on our agricultural lands. As Congress moves forward

[[Page E925]]

on reshaping federal farm policy, conservation, and CSA specifically, 
will be an important part of the discussion. I hope my colleagues will 
consider cosponsoring this bill.

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