USDA Releases Interim Final Rules for the Agricultural Management Assistance Program and State Technical Committees

DOVER, Del., December 18, 2008-- The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking public comment on the interim final rules regarding State Technical Committees and the Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) Program as amended in the 2008 Farm Bill, State Conservationist Russell Morgan announced recently.  Public comments on AMA can be submitted until January 20, 2009; comments regarding the State Technical Committees are due by January 26, 2009. 

New Passageway Removes Barrier for American Eels in Delaware

DOVER, Del., December 3, 2008-- American eels migrating upstream this winter will now have one less barrier to overcome when seeking fresh water in some of Delaware’s river bodies.  Recently, an eelway on the Betts Pond Dam in Sussex County was installed using financial assistance from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).  This new passageway will allow eels to maneuver over the 8-foot dam in an effort to reach additional sources of freshwater, food and cover. 

2008 NRCS Farm Bill Conservation Programs

The conservation provisions in the 2008 Farm Bill will affect farmers for years to come. The new provisions build on the conservation gains made by landowners over the past decade. They simplify existing programs and create new programs to address high priority environmental protection goals.

Delaware Farmers Encouraged to Sign up for Assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program
 

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Delaware is advising farmers interested in conservation assistance on their farming operations to sign up for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).  This program provides financial and technical assistance to farmers interested in making voluntary improvements to natural resources on land they own or manage.