Mitchell Hora is a seventh generation farmer and founder of Continuum Ag, an organization that works to improve and rate soil health.
Hora says that while his farm has used sustainable practices for several years, other farmers are just getting started. And, the Farm Bill would provide money to help farmers lower their carbon footprint and implement clean energy technologies.
"Farm Bill and these new tax credit initiatives are all just different ways to enable farmers to make transitions," he said. "Because this stuff does cost money and it doesn't just happen over night. It takes real investment."
Hora says the bill is a stepping stone for farmers to begin more sustainable practices, because these changes present financial risk. If the bill were to be passed, he says Americans would see lower food costs, healthier food, and more.
"I see it really bringing more farmers to the table. Tapping into improved soil health, to lowering our carbon footprint, improving water quality, and biodiversity, and our water utilization, and reduce flooding and all kinds of great downstream outcomes that help not just those on the farm, but everyone else that is also impacted by agriculture."
The 2024 Farm Bill includes $20 billion for voluntary agricultural conservation programs and $12 billion for clean energy. The money would be distributed over 4-5 years.
The 2018 Farm Bill was extended until the end of September.