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Agriculture
Agricultural activities represent the largest land use and the most
widespread set of potential impacts on the environment in Region 8. Agriculture,
and the industries it supports, is also one of the most important economic sectors
for our states and tribes. With over half of Region 8's land area devoted to
crop and livestock production, our ability to help and encourage ranchers and
farmers practice environmental stewardship is critical.
EPA Region 8 will work in partnership with the agricultural community, other federal agencies, states, tribes, and others to help achieve continual environmental improvement and promote the sustainable production of safe, abundant supplies of food and fiber.
- Agricultural Pollution Prevention Resources
(PDF, 6 pp, 27K; about PDF files)
- Air Quality
Compliance Agreement for Animal Feeding Operations
On January 21, 2005 EPA announced an air quality compliance agreement to address emissions from certain animal feeding operations, also known as AFOs.
The
EPA Region 8 Agriculture Priority brings together agriculture-related state
and federal members and producers of the six Region 8 states. Through regular
meetings and outreach, Region 8 works closely with agriculture to address mutual
environmental concerns.
In terms of sheer geography, agricultural activities represent the largest land use and the most widespread set of potential impacts on the environment in our region. Agriculture, and the industries it supports, is also one of the most important economic sectors in our states and tribes. Since over half of EPA Region 8's land area is devoted to crop and livestock production, our ability to help and encourage ranchers and farmers to practice environmental stewardship is critical.
EPA Region 8 has established working relationships with agricultural producers, federal, state and local agencies and others to improve the management of environmental impacts. Our programs deal with things like the proper management and application of pesticides, farm worker safety, the protection of rivers and lakes, wetlands, and rangeland ecosystems, and the management of wastes from animal feeding operations. Additional efforts include technical assistance and grants that focus on reducing the risks from harmful pesticides, supporting the development of waste management plans, minimizing erosion and the runoff of wastes and pesticides, promoting integrated pest management, protecting watersheds and sources of drinking water, and conserving vital water, land and wildlife resources. We will continue to work on these issues and to find cost-effective ways of achieving environmental results.
