The current farm bill proposal pulls $2 billion out of EQIP funding to pay for other conservation programs. “I don’t want to rob Peter to pay Paul,” said Minnesota Farmers Union Anne Schwagerl. “I’ve got an EQIP contract on my farm that lasts for the next five years. I’m making management decisions today that are going to impact my operation, assuming that I’ll be paid for those on the cost share contract that I signed. I want to make sure those funds are there for farmers so they have certainty when making decisions on their operations.” Schwagerl said her local FSA office is only open two days per week and she’s upset with the loss of human capital within USDA.
