Reaching Economic Efficiency: Conservation Programs at Risk without Passage of the 2012 Farm Bill

Abstract

The 2012 Farm Bill, titled Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2012 has created controversy about the necessities of American Agricultural Policy. Budget cuts have placed Conservation Programs at risk for major budget cuts, risking the security of environmental quality nation-wide. Conservation Programs in Agriculture are crucial in eliminating economic externalities present throughout farming systems. Conservation Programs mitigate social costs unaccounted for in uncontrolled production and in their elimination would increase the clean-up costs incurred by the federal government. This report will access the impacts of Conservation Programs, both working lands programs and land retirement programs, to show the benefits offered to society in their existence. The relationship between economic efficiency and conservation is crucial to the future of creating sustainable economies and food systems. This report aims to turn the conversation to the important correlation between long term agricultural sustainability and conservation programs.