swampbuster

n. a person who converts swampland into farmland. Subjects: English, Agriculture, Environment

Etymological Note: Patterned after “sodbuster.” Popularized by the “Swampbuster” provision of the 1985 Food Security Act, which provides for sanctions against clearing swamps in order to use them for agriculture.

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Citations: 1985 Omaha World-Herald (July 10) “Dairy, Soil Plans OK’d; Grain Policies Debated” p. 12: Added to the “sodbuster” penalties were new “swampbuster” provisions applying the same sanctions to farmers who drain wetlands to plant crops. 1986 Lewrene K. Glaser United States Department of Agriculture (Apr. ) “Provisions of the Food Security Act of 1985”: Title XII—Prohibits USDA program benefits to farmers who convert highly erodible land (“sodbusters”) or wetlands (“swampbusters”) to cropland. Authorizes a conservation reserve of 40 to 45 million acres by 1990. 2007 E-Wire (June 27) “The Wildlife Society Releases 2007 Farm Bill Policy Statement” (in Bethesda, Maryland): Swampsbuster and Sodbuster compliance should be linked to all federal farm program benefits. Conservation compliance provisions for highly erodible land (HEL) are commonly referred to as sodbuster and wetland conservation (swampbuster) compliance provisions, the objectives of which are to: reduce soil erosion on croplands, protect long-term capability to produce food and fiber, reduce sedimentation and improve water quality, and preserve and protect the Nation’s wetlands.

Posted 28 Jun 07 | Permalink | Tell a Friend