2002 Farm Bill Provides $65 Million in Federal Conservation Funds to Maryland's Farmers in Fiscal Years 2003-2006

Maryland Media Liaison:

Carol Hollingsworth, 443-482-2902

The 2002 Farm Bill recognized the need for locally led conservation programs and provided $65,477,399 in conservation financial assistance funding in Maryland from October 1, 2002 to September 30, 2006 (Fiscal Years 2003-2006) for the following U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Conservation Programs. These programs help to meet the natural resource goals set by Maryland's Conservation Partnership. Demand for cost-share program assistance typically exceeds the annual funding appropriated by Congress for USDA Conservation Programs.

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) -- Provided $24,795,832 through 2,491 contracts installing conservation practices on 268,727 acres. Grazing practices, forestry practices, transition to organic production, and the development of Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans were a focus for EQIP conservation projects which address natural resource concerns and protect water quality.

Farm and Ranchland Protection Program (FRPP) -- Provided $22,752,694 to 26 conservation groups or land trust partners to preserve 20,226 acres of Maryland’s agricultural land. Maryland has consistently been a national leader in funds dedicated to farmland preservation. NRCS works in partnership with the Maryland Agriculture Land Preservation Foundation and local land trust partners to implement this program.

Conservation Security Program (CSP) -- Provided $11,043,340 in first and second year payments for 190,494 acres enrolled in 608 contracts. Over the 10-year life cycle of the 2005 and 2006 CSP Contracts, financial assistance of $53,872,740 will be paid to Maryland farmers. CSP identifies and rewards farmers who are currently meeting high standards of conservation and environmental management on their land. CSP is offered on a watershed basis.

Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) -- Provided $3,625,060 for 37 easements to restore or create wetland areas on 2,867 acres. WRP funds are used primarily on the Eastern Shore.

Agricultural Management Assistance Program (AMA) -- Provided $1,862,533 for the installation of conservation practices on 5,431 acres through 143 contracts. AMA helps producers adopt conservation practices and investment strategies that will reduce or mitigate risks to their agricultural enterprises.

Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) -- Provided $1,397,940 to enhance 2,584 acres through 329 contracts. WHIP conservation practices include the restoration of upland habitat, riparian buffers, shallow water areas, and the control of exotic invasive species.

NRCS is the lead conservation agency for USDA. In Maryland, there is an NRCS office in each of the state’s 23 counties with 130 dedicated NRCS employees working to provide free conservation technical assistance. NRCS operates from USDA Service Centers that provide “1-stop” conservation technical services.

Fiscal Year 2007 (October 1, 2006 – March 11, 2007) Funding – Congress has authorized funding for Farm Bill Programs in Fiscal Year 2007, however, not all of the funding has been appropriated yet. Programs without final allocations are marked with an asterisk (*). NRCS is operating under a Continuing Resolution Authority through the end of the fiscal year. Financial assistance portions of conservation program funding that is/may be available to Maryland’s farmers this year is listed below: