[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 64 (Wednesday, May 8, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E624]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   INTRODUCTION OF THE BALANCING FOOD, FARM, AND THE ENVIRONMENT ACT

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                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 8, 2013

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, today, I am introducing the Balancing 
Food, Farm, and the Environment Act of 2013. This legislation 
modernizes the conservation title of the Farm Bill to better reflect 
farmers' needs and the priorities of the American public. I know from 
working with farmers in Oregon that many farmers are the best possible 
stewards of their land, and they are producing healthy, local food in 
ways that protect their livelihood, their farm, and the environment. 
The Farm Bill as a whole, however, does far too little to reward good 
stewardship, support sustainable farming practices, or meet 
conservation priorities.
  The Balancing Food, Farm, and the Environment Act of 2013 leverages 
current Farm Bill programs to produce better environmental outcomes and 
increase ease of access for farmers. The bill prioritizes longer terms 
of protection for high-priority environmentally-sensitive lands, 
providing a better return for taxpayers and stability for farmers. It 
also makes clean water a higher priority in conservation programs, 
increasing protection and restoration for riverbanks. The Balancing Act 
targets wetlands and critical habitat to protect wildlife population. 
It increases access to program funding for farmers, and expands the 
funding available for technical assistance. It helps keep antibiotics 
out of our water and food by reducing grants to factory farms and by 
helping farmers transition to organic or less antibiotic intensive 
farming methods. Finally, the Balancing Act acknowledges that American 
farmers are experiencing impacts from climate change, and it provides 
funding for adaptation and mitigation of these effects.
  I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this 
legislation on behalf of our farmers, the millions of Americans who 
care about a safe, healthy, domestic food supply, and our 
grandchildren, who will live with the air, water, and soil we pass on 
to them.

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