January 14, 2009

Agricultural Management Assistance Program Sign-Up Announced

TOLLAND, CONNECTICUT – Douglas L. Zehner, State Conservationist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Connecticut has announced that applications will be taken for the agency’s Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) Program.

The program offered is through the new 2008 Farm Bill and is administered by NRCS. “Even though program rules are still being finalized,” said Zehner, “we are urging eligible farmers and producers to apply as soon as possible. By accepting AMA applications now, we can develop conservation plans that address important environmental concerns and be well positioned to provide contracts to producers in the next few weeks.”

According to Zehner, “AMA provides cost share assistance to agricultural producers to voluntarily address issues such as water management, water quality, and erosion control by incorporating conservation into their farming operations. Producers may construct or improve water management structures or irrigation structures; plant trees for windbreaks or to improve water quality; and mitigate risk through production diversification or resource conservation practices including soil erosion control, integrated pest management, or transition to organic farming.”

The application period is open through COB February 27, 2009.

Persons interested in applying should contact one of the following USDA Service Centers, or visit our website.

• Brooklyn Service Center - (860) 774-0224, Ext. 102
• Torrington Service Center - (860) 626-8258, Ext. 200
• Windsor Service Center - (860) 688-7725, Ext. 139
• Norwich Service Center - (860) 887-3604, Ext. 300
• Wallingford Service Center - (203) 269-7509, Ext. 205
  

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