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USDA Seeks Comments on Farm Bill Programs
USDA Announces New Conservation Program and Initiative, Availability of
Funding
![Tall grasses protect water quality along the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. NRCS image.](news/images/chesbay_md.jpg) |
Two new entries join USDA's array of conservation programs. The
Agricultural Water Enhancement Program offers $58.4 million in financial
assistance for promoting ground and surface water conservation and water quality
improvement. The
Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiative, offering $23
million in 2009, strengthens coordination and cooperation between NRCS and EPA
to help agricultural producers improve the environment in the Chesapeake Bay
Watershed. Both are part of NRCS' Environmental Quality Incentives Program. |
...More Info |
USDA's Interim Final Rule Amends Composition, Responsibilities of State
Technical Committees
![State Conservationist and State Technical Committee Chair J.R. Flores (right) at a recent committee meeting in North Dakota. State Technical Committees meet regularly and advise the state conservationist and other USDA officials on technical considerations related to implementation of Farm Bill conservation programs. NRCS image.](news/images/state_technical_committee_nd_jrflores_in_foreground_front.jpg) |
NRCS Chief Arlen Lancaster announced the release of the interim final
rule for State Technical Committees, which amended requirements
regarding the composition and responsibilities of these advisory
committees nationwide. The 2008 Farm Bill expands agricultural and
forestry involvement in the committees, expands the committees’
authority to review local working groups’ efforts to address state
program priorities, and requires the Secretary of Agriculture to
standardize committee operations nationwide. Comments from the public on
the interim final rule are due by Jan. 26, 2009. |
...More Info |
![Conservation... Our Purpose. Our Passion. Image of farm at sunset.](feature/ourpurpose/images/Campaign_Web_Ad_1.jpg) |
The purpose and passion for conservation is shared among many. It is
shared between NRCS employees and partners who help people help the
land. And it is shared by the landowners with whom we work. Our passion
is manifested through the benefits derived from stewardship of private
lands—benefits we all enjoy, such as cleaner water and air, improved
soils and abundant wildlife habitat.
Learn about our stories, the stories of conservation made possible
through a shared purpose, a shared passion and a shared commitment to
conservation. |
...More Info
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Updated
01/16/2009
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