The USDA has frozen funds for conservation programs, potentially leaving farmers and contractors in financial distress. Many of these payments were funded through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), but a federal spending freeze has halted disbursements.
Farmers now face uncertainty, including Contractors involved in the Climate-Smart Commodities program and other conservation initiatives are also seeing their funding withheld which has created widespread concerns about the USDA’s commitment to honoring contracts.
Lawmakers from both parties are pressing the USDA for clarity, demanding an explanation for the freeze and its legal basis. The Iowa Soybean Association has also called on Congress to advocate for farmers who are owed millions for conservation practices.
It has not been made clear how long the freeze will last, and what possible cuts could come with it.
Photo Credit: USDA
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