Washington, D.C. (September 20, 2022) – National Association of Wheat Growers President and Washington State wheat grower, Nicole Berg, testified in front of the Conservation and Forestry Subcommittee of the House Agriculture Committee, A 2022 Review of the Farm Bill: Stakeholder Perspectives on Title II Conservation Programs.

Nicole Berg highlighted how the Farm Bill voluntary conservation programs are significant in terms of environmental benefits and assistance to farmers. Technical assistance, planning and engineering and financial assistance in the form of cost share or incentives, provide farmers with the knowledge and economic incentive to be able to make a change in their operation or maintain a conservation practice.

“The costs of farming have increased and continue to do so,” said Nicole Berg. “While commodity prices have decreased recently, input costs have remained high. With farmers facing higher costs in all areas of their operations, the decision to adopt conservation practices can depend on the financial assistance that Farm Bill programs provide. Wheat growers support continued access to the voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs of the Farm Bill. Wheat growers, the environment and society have benefited from the programs through improved water quality and quantity, air quality, soil health and habitat. These results would not be possible without the financial and technical assistance that the Farm Bill conservation programs provide.”

As Congress continues to have hearings and reflect on programs authorized under the 2018 Farm Bill, the National Association of Wheat Growers looks forward to working with Congress and the industry to help craft a Farm Bill that benefits wheat farmers and American agriculture.

Watch the hearing or review Nicole Berg’s written testimony.