What the 2008 Farm Bill Means for Forestry

摘要

Anew farm bill is enacted every five to seven years which authorizes programs that shape the direction for the nation's agricultural industry. Congress enacted the first farm bill in the wake of the Great Depression. Forestry programs gained a place in farm bill legislation in the 1970s and '80s as agricultural production expanded and took an increasing toll on the land and water resources. Conservation programs were enacted which targeted retention of soil and water loss brought on by aggressive farming practices. Today the 2008 Farm Bill provides new provisions and reauthorizes existing forestry programs that were created to restore, protect, and enhance forest stands and forest ecosystems. These traditional forestry practices not only help improve timber production and growth, but they provide benefits for wildlife as well. While traditional forestry practices still exist in Farm Bill programs for soil and water conservation efforts, there are changes that might affect your being able to qualifyfor certain forestry and wildlife practices.