Statement: Senate Republican Farm Bill Framework Supports Rural America
WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 11, 2024) - Rita Hite, president & CEO of the American Forest Foundation, a conservation organization that empowers family forest owners to create meaningful conservation impact, released the following statement regarding the introduction of Senator Boozman’s Farm Bill legislation framework in the Senate:
“We know that Rural Americans – especially rural landowners – play a critical role in achieving our country’s climate and conservation goals. Senator Boozman’s Farm Bill framework is an encouraging step toward passing bipartisan legislation that works for people, rural economies, and the planet. We applaud the Senator’s inclusion of measures to strengthen existing conservation programs and improve data modernization of forests, both of which will help family forest owners better care for their lands.
Crucially, Senator Boozman included the Rural Forest Markets Act (RFMA), which would unlock access to new revenue streams for rural landowners to ensure the long-term health and value of their forests are protected. We applaud Senator Boozman, along with the additional RFMA co-sponsors Senators Stabenow, Casey, and Braun for their continued advocacy for including this critical priority in the Farm Bill in service of family forest owners across the country.
With both Senate frameworks released and a House bill moved through the Ag Committee, now is the time to combine efforts to put forth a Farm Bill that creates the most meaningful conservation impact while supporting rural landowners. We urge Democrats and Republicans alike to get this done – for the sake of American landowners and the planet.”
Learn more about the Rural Forest Markets Act and AFF’s full list of Farm Bill priorities.
##
CONTACT: Kristen Voorhees, Communications Director, media@forestfoundation.org
About The American Forest Foundation
The American Forest Foundation is a national conservation organization that empowers family forest owners to make meaningful conservation impact. The organization’s flagship program, the Family Forest Carbon Program, helps landowners implement forest management practices to protect the health of their woodlands and help the planet. To learn more about the American Forest Foundation and the Family Forest Carbon Program, visit www.forestfoundation.org/carbon.
Related Articles
May 24, 2024
Statement: House’s Farm Bill Movement Represents Great Forward Progress for Rural Landowners
AFF encourages members from both chambers, on both sides of the aisle, to work together to strengthen and pass a bipartisan Farm Bill that supports rural forest owners.
May 21, 2024
Statement: House’s Farm Bill Signals Commitment to Family Forest Owners
The passage of the Farm Bill is critical to our country’s efforts to protect the health and wellbeing of our America’s forests, rural landowners and rural communities, and the planet.
April 17, 2024
Tree Planting Initiative Brings Financial Opportunities to Georgia Landowners
“Field to Forest offers landowners a low-maintenance way to earn income while keeping their land active and healthy.”