America’s farmers and ranchers have long been our nation’s greatest conservationists. As House Agriculture Chairman Glenn Thompson said, “There are no greater climate champions in the world than the American farmer, rancher, and forester.” Investing in their ability to ensure clean air, clean water, and healthy soil must be a priority. Fortunately, the 2025 Farm Bill’s Conservation Title provides a vital opportunity to do just that.

Pennsylvania’s natural beauty–from the infamous battlefields of Valley Forge to our very own Grand Canyon–is beloved by all who call our state home. Still, these landmarks are not the only natural beauty our state has to offer. As a Penn State Alumnus, one of my most beloved memories is driving across the Pennsylvania farmlands surrounding the rural university. With 7.3 million acres of farmland, covering around 26% of the state, Pennsylvanians know firsthand the importance of empowering farmers to steward the land. Beyond preserving our state’s beauty, agriculture is a cornerstone of our economy, contributing $132.5 billion each year and providing over 593,000 jobs. Farmers and ranchers are central to Pennsylvania’s–and our nation’s–prosperity and way of life.

Increasing funding for voluntary conservation programs is essential to keep empowering America’s farmers, including those in Pennsylvania, to be climate champions–especially given that at current funding levels, only around one-third of interested farmers can access these resources. In Pennsylvania, acceptance rates for one of the top conservation programs, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, is even lower, at around 20%. These programs enjoy widespread support within the farming community, with 74% of farmers backing an increase in voluntary conservation funding. This isn’t surprising considering conservation practices can also support farmers’ bottom line while increasing the amount and quality of our food supply.

The great news is that an additional $13 billion could be added to the Conservation Title’s baseline, increasing funding levels for these popular programs indefinitely. Right now, that extra funding is set to expire in 2031. Despite recent efforts to reauthorize the 2018 Farm Bill and incorporate the additional funds into the baseline falling short, Rep. Thompson has been a steadfast advocate for ensuring this money stays with farmers committed to stewarding their land.

Congress must work together to enact a 2025 Farm Bill, keeping America’s main conservationists in mind.

Through these programs, farmers can implement practices that enhance soil health, protect and restore critical habitat, and reduce water usage. These outcomes benefit the environment, improve land productivity, and lead to more nutrient-dense food.

Practices like cover cropping, no-till farming, and rotational grazing can even mitigate carbon emissions by increasing the amount of carbon stored in the soil, all while preventing the overuse of land.

Pennsylvania’s farmers are already leading on critical conservation practices that improve their operations and keep our environment safe. The Brubaker Farms in Lancaster County, which received an award for its commitment to environmental stewardship, is a perfect local example. With support provided through a Farm Bill conservation program, the farm was able to fence their cattle away from a riparian zone that is now flourishing with wildlife. Considering the vast expanse of land stewarded by farmers, ranchers, and foresters, it’s in our best interest to empower and work alongside them.

With Republicans leading the 119th Congress and in the White House, we have the opportunity to equip America’s farmers–including those in Pennsylvania–with the resources they need to remain our greatest climate champions. We must deliver a 2025 Farm Bill that bolsters conservation funding. The future of Pennsylvania, our farmers, and our environment depend on it.

Erik Suarez is an economist and international relations Penn State graduate and a volunteer with the American Conservation Coalition Action. He has been published in The National Interest, RealClear World, USA Today, and other media outlets. He writes about foreign policy, the environment, and world politics.