Avoiding the USDA's Swamp Monster
The USDA’s Swampbuster – Avoid Getting Stuck in the Swamp. In 1985, Congress passed the Food Security Act, a comprehensive framework to administer agriculture and food programs. In doing so, Congress established a conservation program titled the Erodible Land and Wetland Conservation and Reserve Program. The conservation and reserve components are affectionately (or perhaps un-affectionately) referred to as “Sodbuster” and “Swampbuster,” respectively. This article will focus on Swampbuster. The stated purpose of Swampbuster is to conserve and preserve wetlands and to protect natural resources for a public purpose, including to “assist in preserving the values, acreage, and functions of the Nation’s wetlands.” To achieve conservation aims, Swampbuster bars producers who convert wetlands to cropland from receiving USDA benefits. Whether or not a farmer is subject to Swampbuster depends on if the farmer is enrolled in USDA programs whereas the far...