WASHINGTON, D.C. – With Farm Bill negotiations underway in advance of the bill’s expiration in September 2018, journalists are invited to join experts from Cornell University’s Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future, Resources for the Future, and The Nature Conservancy to discuss conservation opportunities and challenges on May 11 at Resources for the Future from 12:45 p.m. to 2:15 p.m., where lunch will be served.

Few realize that the conservation title of the Farm Bill – Title II – is one of the most important sources of conservation funding in the U.S.  It is also the largest conservation funding source impacting the private lands that comprise two-thirds of the states. Although representing less than 5 percent of Farm Bill funds, the conservation title directs a large share of land, water, and species conservation investments across the country.

The event will comprise of a panel featuring:

• Ann Bartuska, Vice President for Land, Water, and Nature, Resources for the Future
• Amanda Rodewald, Director of Conservation Science, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and the Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future, Cornell University
• Alec Ward, Land Policy Associate, The Nature Conservancy

Liz Crampton of POLITICO will moderate, and the conversation will focus on the enormous impact of changes proposed to the conservation title of the Farm Bill. The panel discussion will be followed by audience Q&A.