West Lafayette, Ind.--Farmers, agricultural advisors, wastewater utilities and power companies are invited to attend a two-day workshop on water quality credit trading March 4-5.  Farmers unable to attend both days are encouraged to come to the first day of the workshop.
 
Together with its partners, Environmental Trading Network, the International Certified Crop Advisers, and the Water Environment Federation, the Conservation Technology Information Center will host this interactive event in the Easton, MD area.
 
Water quality trading is a market-based approach to improve water quality.  It is an innovative, voluntary tool that connects industrial and municipal facilities, or "point sources," with agricultural producers, "nonpoint sources," to economically achieve water quality improvements.  It is a flexible and cost-effective approach for maintaining, restoring, or enhancing water quality.
 
Workshop planners hope to increase awareness of water quality trading and improve understanding of the voluntary process among agricultural producers and their advisors, wastewater treatment representatives, and potential "aggregators" (organizations that serve as a kind of broker, facilitating trading).
 
Expert speakers will introduce the concepts, benefits and challenges of trading and the steps involved in developing a trading program. The training will include breakout sessions to give participants specific skills to develop or participate in a trading program. Case studies will be highlighted so participants can learn from existing programs.
 
Plan to attend the workshop on March 4 and 5. Check back here soon for registration information. 
If you have questions, please contact CTIC at 765-494-9555 or ctic@conservationinformation.org.