Maryland Farmers Should Apply Now for Conservation Assistance Provided by 2008 NRCS Programs

Last Modified: 11/02/2007

Maryland Media Liaison:

Carol Hollingsworth, 443-482-2902

Annapolis, MD (Sept. 21, 2007) --- “The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Maryland is encouraging farmers to come into our field service centers now to learn how conservation programs can assist them in solving the natural resource concerns on their ag land,“ said State Conservationist Jon Hall. “This is an excellent opportunity for farmers to work with NRCS and its partners to create or revise a conservation plan for your farm.”

NRCS staff and partnership employees working for the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) and the local Soil Conservation District (SCD) can meet with farmers to discuss their ag operation, develop or update conservation plans, and provide information on which conservation practices may benefit their land. They will then be able to recommend specific conservation programs that provide financial assistance to help farmers defray the cost of installing or completing the recommended conservation practice.

“Maryland’s farmers should submit applications now for participation in conservation programs for fiscal year 2008,” said Hall. Program applications will be evaluated monthly to match funds to applications that carry the highest environmental benefits. The first evaluation will be held by October 26, 2007. NRCS will continue to evaluate program applications on a monthly basis to determine program eligibility until fiscal year funds are exhausted.

”This means that any 2008 program applications received now in field offices will be considered for eligibility, and if determined to meet the program requirements, can be quickly funded once fiscal year 2008 program allocations are received by NRCS,” added Hall. Applications that have an up-to-date conservation plan will be given priority consideration when applications are reviewed for funding.

Priority natural resource concern areas that will be addressed in fiscal year 2008 programs will be focused on forest stand improvement, animal waste management, wildlife habitat, and cropland conservation practices. Some of these practices are described below. Field office staff can also provide additional information on other eligible practices not listed below.

Forestry practices include forest stand improvement, hedgerow planting and planting of trees and shrubs. Animal waste management practices include waste storage facilities and heavy use area protection. Additional practices for poultry operations include windbreak shelterbelts and treating poultry litter to improve air quality and manage nutrients. Planting riparian forest buffers and restoring wetlands will improve wildlife habitat areas.

Cropland practices include nutrient management, pest management, soil quality improvement, and transition to organic ag production.

Farmers interested in using these conservation practices to help them solve their erosion or land management concerns need to contact their local USDA Service Center now and speak with an NRCS, SCD, or MDA employee. Remember that program applications will be evaluated for funding consideration on a monthly basis, with the first ranking completed by October 26, 2007.

The location of USDA Service Centers and information on conservation program and application requirements are available on the NRCS Maryland homepage at www.md.nrcs.usda.gov.