America's forests cover approximately one-third of our nation, equivalent in size to our agricultural lands. These forest lands are owned by nearly 10 million individuals as compared to only 2 million members of the farming community. Interestingly, ther eis less than a 20 percent overlap between the two constituencies. In spite of increasing development pressure on America's family forests, forest owners were eligible for only six-tenths of one percent of the total conservation funding provided in the 2002 Farm Bill. If the US is to keep its family forests intact, the 2007 Farm Bill must embrace and strongly support family forestry.
Currently, forestry is not a priority under the Farm Bill. Programs like the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) and the Forest Land Enhancement Program (FLEP) authorized by the 2002 Farm Bill have not only been under funded, but have also failed at providing Tree Farmers access to planning and funding processes at the local level. Your help and comments are needed to ensure that forestry becomes a priority in the upcoming Farm Bill.
Forestry in the Farm Bill Talking Points
Tree Farmer Dr. Slade Lail's testimony before the House Committee on Agrictulture, Washington, DC, April 19, 2007
