" "  
Search ERS

  Browse by Subject
  Diet, Health, & Safety
  Farm Economy
  Farm Practices & Management
  Food & Nutrition Assistance
  Food Sector
  Natural Resources & Environment
 Conservation Practices & Programs
 Cropping Practices
 Environmental Quality
 Fertilizer Use
 Invasive Species Management
 Irrigation & Water Use
 Land Use & Tenure
 Manure Management
 Organic Agriculture
 Pest Management
 Rural/Natural Amenities
 Soil Conservation
 Water Quality
  Policy Topics
  Research & Productivity
  Rural Economy
  Trade & International Markets
  Also Browse By


or

""

 

Search ERS

 
Environmental Quality

The transformation of undisturbed land to crop production and the inputs and practices used to produce agricultural products can destroy wildlife habitat, pollute the air and water, degrade soil quality, and affect water supplies. The extent and degree of the environmental problems associated with agriculture vary widely across the country. ERS assesses the impacts agriculture has on the environment and how changes in production practices can harm or enhance environmental quality.


Spotlights

Linking Land Quality, Agricultural Productivity, and Food Security—Agricultural productivity plays an increasingly important role in improving food supplies and food security. This report explores the extent to which land quality and land degradation affect agricultural productivity, and how farmers respond to land degradation.

Environmental Credit Trading: Can Farming Benefit?—Environmental credit trading allows regulated firms to meet their obligations by purchasing pollution abatement services (credits) from lower cost providers. This article explores how farmers can benefit by producing environmental "credits" and selling them in a market.

Latest Releases

Publications (see all)

Data Sets (see all)

Related Briefing Rooms

Web administration: webadmin@ers.usda.gov