FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 28, 1999
CONTACT: Rob Larew 202-225-2165
PETERSON INTRODUCES CRP BILL
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Collin C. Peterson (DFL-7th District) has introduced legislation to return the total acreage allowed in the Conservation Reserve Program from the current 36.4 million acres to the original 45 million acres.
" I am concerned that USDA will soon reach the limit on CRP acreage," CRP has produced valuable conservation and wildlife benefits across the country. By lifting the current cap we can gain even more of these benefits," Peterson said.
The bill, H.R. 408 would amend the Food Security Act of 1985 to expand the number of acres authorized for inclusion in CRP. The bill has been referred to the House Agriculture Committee.
"It was Congressman Peterson's leadership that saved CRP in 1996," Dave Nomsen, Pheasants Forever Vice President from Alexandria said. "We're pleased he was here to save the program, now he's working just as hard to get it implemented. We agree with his evaluation that CRP can do more nationwide. CRP is a win-win program for taxpayers and the environment."
"I think farmers, sportsmen and environmentalists agree that CRP works," Peterson said. "I hope this Congress will not only look at expanding farmers' opportunities with CRP but will also offer other options and opportunities to farmers who have been affected by hard weather and disease, especially those in Northwest Minnesota."
Peterson is the Co-Chair of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus and a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee.
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