Realizing the Promise of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002

This report analyzes actions taken to date by Congress and the Administration to implement the conservation provisions signed into law May 13, 2002. SWCS recommends policymakers program administrators pay urgent attention to four opportunities to enhance the performance of conservation programs in the coming months: (1) conservation programs must be fully funded, (2) USDA must construct a conservation technical services infrastructure suitable for the 21st century, (3) important program reforms are needed to enhance environmental management, and (4) the Conservation Security Program must be ramped up thoughtfully and quickly.