The Center for Rural Affairs is supporting legislation introduced this week in the House. The Improving Access to Farm Conservation Act of 2016 eases burdensome reporting requirements for landowners participating in voluntary USDA conservation programs. Rural Affairs Policy Program Director Johnathan Hladik says eliminating the registration and numbering requirement will make the program go smoother for participants.

He says getting rid of the red tape will make it easier for smaller and beginning producers to take part in conservation programs.

Hladik says earlier regulations put in to make sure only conservation payments went out to those most deserving was a good move. He says however tweaking that in order not to hamper those who wish to participate in the program is also a good step.

Hladik says restrictive reporting requirements eliminate economic incentives and limit flexibility for landowners who want to participate in conservation programs.