in the FARM Bill, Help clean the air

[annm4peace]

September 13, 2007

The Honorable Tom Harkin
Chairman, Senate Agriculture Committee
731 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington , D.C. 20510

Dear Chairman Harkin:

I am writing to ask your support for inclusion of $150 million for air quality programs within the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) in the 2007 Farm Bill. On July 27, 2007, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 2419 that included $150 million for air quality programs within Conservation Innovative Grants (CIG). I respectfully request that the same amount be set aside for air quality programs; however, I believe the farming community will best utilize those funds if they are placed under the general EQIP program.

The San Joaquin Valley is one of the most productive agricultural regions in the country. California is the world’s fifth largest supplier of food and agricultural commodities contributing $31.7 billion to our nation’s economy in 2005. Eight out of ten top producing agricultural counties in California are in the San Joaquin Valley . However, we are challenged in the Valley with the nation’s worst air pollution problems. As a result, our farmers increasingly face regulation to help address the region’s pollution and expensive pollution-related crop losses.

Our farmers have shown a willingness to help reduce air pollution. They have proven that, given the right incentives, they can reduce pollution faster than would happen under regulation alone. One of the most valuable sources of incentives to help farmers adjust their practices to reduce pollution has been the Conservation Title of the Farm Bill. Through the 2002 Farm Bill, San Joaquin Valley farmers have been able to access funds through the EQIP program to help reduce pollution by retrofitting irrigation pumps, employing conservation tillage, transitioning to chipping instead of burning orchard waste, and taking actions that suppress dust. However, EQIP funds accessed for these purposes have never been certain and they have always been heavily oversubscribed.

Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer have introduced S. 1458, legislation to provide incentives for improved agricultural air quality. That subprogram would increase, and make more certain, funding to help alleviate air pollution, not just in California , but in farming regions around the country. I urge you to ensure that the air quality subprogram funded from new funding sources is included in the Senate version of the Farm Bill.