ANKENY — Providing additional funds for soil and water conservation as well as transportation infrastructure were recognized by the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) as major accomplishments of the 2015 legislative session.
“We’re pleased the Integrated Farm and Livestock Management program was once again fully funded by the legislature, providing $400,000 for research through ISA’s On-Farm Network,” said Tom Oswald, ISA president and farmer from Cleghorn. “The On-Farm Network is a trusted source for helping farmers continuously improve their practices, which ultimately benefits all Iowans. ISA members and staff served as a resource and voice of reason on this and many other issues important to farmers during the legislative session.”
After six years of work, the legislature finally passed a 10-cent fuel tax increase. A portion of which will go toward increased funding for rural roads and bridges. The bill also provides a 3-cent deduction in the tax for biodiesel blends above B10, also a long-term ISA priority.
“Iowa soybean farmers cannot continue to be competitive on a global scale without investment and updates to our transportation system,” said Wayne Fredericks, Osage farmer and ISA board policy committee chair. “We commend the legislature for their action on this matter and appreciate the reduction for biodiesel. As an alternative fuel, biodiesel drives demand for the Iowa soybeans as well as lowers the cost of soybean meal used by Iowa livestock farmers.”
In late December, ISA board members and voting delegates established and updated policy priorities in anticipation of the 2015 session. At that time, emphasis was placed on continued support for the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy. ISA commends the legislature for providing $9.6 million to support the Iowa Water Quality Initiative and $6.75 million for conservation cost share. These funds will be utilized throughout the next fiscal year to support conservation practices and projects across the state.
At the end of the legislative session, ISA supported another effort to increase funding for conservation — raising the state sales tax by three-eighths of a cent. This effort would have provided an estimated $165 million for the state’s natural resources trust fund. Nearly two-thirds of these resources would fund practices to benefit soil conservation and water quality improvements. State legislators did not act this year but ISA members will continue to engage with them to build support for this popular measure.