The Iowa Legislature last week made progress on a measure to prioritize nearly $500 million in existing state funds to create a long-term, sustainable funding source to supplement Iowa farmers’ own investments to improve water quality and reduce soil loss.

The funding bill, which is supported by the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), was approved by the House Appropriations Committee last week and advanced to the House floor. It is expected to be debated by the full House this week.

Iowa Farm Bureau members applauded the House proposal, which is designed to prioritize existing funds toward sustainable water quality and soil ...