Irrigation Association announces 2023 Farm Bill priorities during fly-in

The Irrigation Association, Fairfax, Virginia, gathered leaders from around the country in Washington, D.C., for the 2023 IA Fly-In, sponsored by Hunter Industries. During the IA-sponsored advocacy event held March 28-29, industry leaders and IA staff will meet with their elected officials, share the benefits of efficient irrigation and help shape policy.

As part of the IA’s efforts to promote the value and efficient use of the nation’s water resources, the IA is introducing its 2023 U.S. Farm Bill priorities to decision-makers during the event. Developed in consultation with experts across the irrigation industry, these priorities will serve as the core advocacy focus of the IA during the upcoming farm bill debate.

“The irrigation industry is committed to increasing the productivity and competitiveness of U.S. agriculture, while promoting environmental stewardship,” says Natasha Rankin, MBA, CAE, IA CEO. “We look forward to working with Congress to ensure agriculture producers have the tools they need to meet the productivity needs of a growing global population while also protecting our limited freshwater resources.”

The following main points are included in the IA’s farm bill priorities:

• Invest in and improve conservation programs, especially the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, and ensure those programs maximize producers’ ability to adopt irrigation tools that boost productivity and conserve natural resources.
• Recognize that irrigation efficiency provides multiple benefits such as energy savings, reduced carbon emissions, soil health and water quality.
• Ensure producers have the technical assistance, education and research they need to become more efficient.
• Expand rural connectivity and focus on agriculture’s cybersecurity needs so producers can effectively leverage precision agricultural technology.

The current farm bill (H.R.2), which passed Congress in 2018, expires on Sept. 30, 2023.

“Now is the time to be heard and advocate on behalf of agricultural irrigation,” continues Rankin. “The farm bill is an opportunity for our industry to tell our story — one that improves the economic vitality of rural America and produces food that feeds communities around the globe, while contributing important environmental benefits for society. These priorities help us tell that story.”

In addition to the farm bill, the IA will be advocating for additional priorities with decision-makers during its fly-in, including the Water Conservation Rebate Tax Parity Act (S.2430), the H-2B guest worker program, and drought and water availability.

The IA’s detailed farm bill priorities are available at irrigation.org/farmbill.