NRCS Maryland Asks Farmers To Go To Field Offices Now To Begin Process for Developing Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans

Maryland Media Liaison:

Carol Hollingsworth, 443-482-2902

Annapolis, MD, February 4, 2008 --- “Farmers interested in having a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans developed for their ag operations need to go to their local USDA Service Center as soon as possible to begin the application process,” said Jon F. Hall, State Conservationist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Maryland.

NRCS Maryland has already received its Fiscal Year 2008 funding for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and funds, although limited, are still available to assist in the development of a CNMP. NRCS Maryland is accepting and ranking applications on a continuous basis. The next ranking and funding of applications will be on February 29, 2008. Farmers should visit their local USDA Service Centers NOW to apply for assistance. Farmers who apply after February 29, 2008 may be delayed in receiving available financial assistance.

EQIP funds can be used to provide farmers with an incentive payment to hire a Technical Service Provider (NRCS approved private consultant) to develop a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP). CNMPs serve as a guide for farmers that combine their skills with the science-based knowledge of conservation partners. A CNMP contains several components that include a Nutrient Management Plan, a Conservation Plan, an Animal Waste Handling and Storage Plan, and an Emergency Action Plan. A CNMP is designed to address a farmer’s entire operation as he manages all nutrients on his farm to include crop and livestock production.

The State of Maryland is considering implementing a new Maryland Animal Feeding Operation (MAFO) Permit which may require some livestock farmers (including poultry) to have a CNMP developed for their operation. Although this new Permit Policy has not been enacted at this time, now is the time for farmers to request technical and financial assistance in developing a CNMP and installing required conservation practices before NRCS experiences a higher demand for this service. When a final MAFO Permit Policy is enacted by the State of Maryland, NRCS, as always, will continue to assist producers with their compliance with the new regulations.

In addition to CNMPs, 23 other conservation practices that cover livestock, grazing, forestry, wildlife habitat, and agronomy are now eligible under EQIP in the 2002 Farm Bill. EQIP sign-up information is on the Internet on the NRCS Maryland homepage at www.md.nrcs.usda.gov in the Programs Section and is also available from local NRCS offices. In addition to the program application form, there is additional application information, a list of practices and costs, and specifics on Maryland’s ranking process, including criteria used to evaluate applications.

NRCS is USDA’s lead conservation agency and has worked hand-in-hand with farmers and landowners for more than 70 years to conserve natural resources on private lands. Maryland’s landowners can learn more about conserving natural resources by contacting NRCS Maryland through USDA Service Centers collocated with their County’s Soil Conservation Districts or by visiting the NRCS Maryland homepage at www.md.nrcs.usda.gov.