The Evangelical Environmental Network (EEN) proudly supports the efforts of Senators Braun (R, IN) and Bennet’s (D, CO) Increased TSP Access Act of 2023. Throughout Fall 2022 and Winter 2023, EEN hosted twelve (12) Farm Bill listening sessions with evangelical farmers across the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic. One common issue reported by local farmers is the gaps in technical assistance to implement conservation practices and best management practices post-adoption. With USDA staff cuts and the regional consolidation of offices, many have turned to Technical Service Providers, other NGO crop advisors, and neighbors for trustworthy information. In our meetings, many farmers called for increased support and resources to be put toward creating more robust and reliable technical assistance programs. 

The evangelical farmers we met take seriously the Bible’s command to tend and care for God’s garden (Genesis 2:15). They know that God owns creation and that the earth was created for, by, and through Jesus Christ. All of us are but tenants of this beautiful world and are responsible for its restoration (Leviticus 25:23-24, Colossians 1:16). Evangelical farmers have been leaders in soil health, carbon sequestration, water management, and feeding the world. They want to be the good stewards their faith commands them to be and hope the next Farm Bill supports their efforts with a strong Technical Assistance program like Senator Braun has proposed.