Farm groups aren’t the only ones disappointed with President Trump’s budget proposal calling for $4.7 billion in cuts to USDA’s discretionary spending. Environmental Working Group officials have serious concerns with what they call the President’s “skinny” budget. EWG Ag Policy Director Colin O’Neil says the spending priorities in the plan are misplaced.

He says of the President’s budget is approved it would cut $500 million from rural clean water initiatives, which is irresponsible.

O’Neil is also concerned the President’s budget calls for cuts to USDA conservation programs.

O’Neil says his group actually wants more funding for conservation programs in the next farm bill and for those dollars to be targeted where it’s most needed.