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Uncertainties spark questions about conservation funding

Some farmers and landowners might be concerned about access to conservation funds given uncertainty with the farm bill and a change in administration.

But Adam Kiel with the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund says he’s assured by the private sector’s focus on sustainable agriculture.

“I see those commitments maintaining, and increasing to be frank. So perhaps that’s a way to weather these ups and downs with what the federal funding looks like through continued growth and support from the private sector.”

He tells Brownfield the incoming administration has signaled it wants to be efficient with the use of public dollars.

“And that’s not a bad thing at all, I welcome that. And if there’s ever an opportunity to showcase the work that programs like the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund do from an efficiency standpoint , I’m open to that conversation any day of the week.”

Kiel says there should be enough public and private support to provide farmers efficient and timely conservation funding regardless of administration.