USDA Proposal Calls for Earlier Release of Conservation Funding,
NCGA Notes
(10-26-04)
Growers participating in federal conservation programs could receive
funding earlier in the fiscal year under a U.S. Department of Agriculture
(USDA) proposal. The recently announced proposal will provide $1.6
billion in conservation funding shortly after Congress approves
the fiscal year (FY) 2005 USDA appropriations bill, notes the National
Corn Growers Association (NCGA).
The announcement highlighted the advantages of providing conservation
funding to landowners early in the year. According to USDA, releasing
the funds earlier in the year will give farmers and ranchers more
time to make sound decisions regarding conservation practices on
their lands. Additionally, the proposal would make available conservation
programs completely operational in all states and give producers
the information and tools needed to develop more effective conservation
plans, USDA said.
“Conservation programs and the financial and technical assistance
provided by USDA and the Natural Resources Conservation Service
(NRCS) allow farmers and ranchers to continue to be good stewards
of the land,” said Rodney Moe, NCGA Production and Stewardship
Action Team chair and Minnesota corn grower. “It is important
to preserve the quality of water, land and the ecosystem that we
ultimately rely on to produce our crops.”
NRCS will work with farmers and ranchers throughout the United
States to disseminate funds via several conservation programs that
improve soil, water, air and at-risk habitats on privately owned
working lands. The FY 2005 allocations include $1.31 billion in
financial assistance and $306 million for technical assistance
for NRCS voluntary conservation programs and other activities.
According to USDA, additional funding may be allocated after discretionary
funding decisions are made by Congress.
A list of allocation totals by state and additional information
on conservation programs is available at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs.
Landowners who want specific information regarding program participation
should contact their local USDA Service Center or NRCS office.