Congresswoman Julia Letlow (LA-05) Introduces the Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act of 2023

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Julia Letlow introduced H.R. 6717, the Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act of 2023. This proposed bill will revise two programs within the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 - the Emergency Conservation Program and the Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP), to provide farmers and owners of nonindustrial forest land who have been impacted by natural disasters with the option to receive advance emergency payments prior to carrying out emergency measures.

Farmers and owners of nonindustrial forest land can be provided with up to 75% of the upfront cost of the emergency measures they plan to take in the future. 

Importantly, this bill expands the eligibility for payments to include damage caused by man-made fires when the damage was spread due to natural causes, as well as wildfires that are caused by the federal government. It also includes payments for damage caused by hurricanes, another type of natural disaster that heavily impacts the state of Louisiana.

“I want my constituents to know that the issue of natural disasters that so many of them experience are not lost on me,” said Rep. Letlow. “Natural disasters like forest fires and hurricanes wreak havoc on farmers and producers, and the effects are lasting. Having the option to receive assistance before they begin carrying out emergency measures gives them a jump start on minimizing the damage.”

“Farmers and foresters need help right when disaster strikes, not years afterward. Yet again, Congresswoman Letlow is taking the lead by proposing common sense legislation that would keep Louisiana agriculture viable when the worst happens. The Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act and The Drought Assistance Improvement Act are proof that Congresswoman Letlow listens to her constituents and takes action.” said Jim Harper, Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation President.

“I thank Congresswoman Letlow for sponsoring this important legislation that will give producers the ability to access emergency assistance up-front to begin the recovery process more quickly following a natural disaster,” said Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry, Dr. Mike Strain. 

Click HERE for the full bill text.

The Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act of 2023 is a companion bill originally led by Senator Deb Fischer of Nebraska.