The White House released $20 million in Inflation Reduction Act money for contracts signed with farmers under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, the Conservation Stewardship Program, and the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program. American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall said it’s good news for America’s producers.

"We appreciate the decision by Secretary Rollins to release funds for conservation program contracts that USDA entered into with farmers and ranchers," Duvall said. "The freezing of funds created uncertainty for farm families who have already invested in improvements on their land that received a financial commitment from the federal government. We're thankful that the administration recognizes the importance of making good on the first tranche of agreements."

Duvall had previously met with Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins to talk about the freeze, as well as the state of the U.S. farm economy.

"I was pleased to have the opportunity to share with her the concerns and priorities of America's farmers and ranchers," Duvall said. "I also learned more about her commitment, and I appreciate her making time for us to get together, to get to know each other. I left the meeting with confidence that she is committed to listening to farmers and tackling the challenges facing agriculture, so that we can ensure a safe, abundant food supply."

Duvall said the meeting was just the start, but that several topics were discussed.

"The need for a new modernized farm bill, the state of the farm economy, animal health, and trade, just to name a few," Duvall said. "She's made a priority of traveling in rural America to meet with America's farmers and ranchers and that's important. She's hearing the concerns felt by farm families."

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