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$9.5 million in funding for California farmers


August 3, 2011  by Manure Manager

July 29, 2011, Washington,
DC – Congressman Dennis Cardoza (CA-18) and Congressman Jim Costa (CA-20)
announced $9.5 million in additional funding assistance for California farmers
seeking to make on farm improvements that will help to improve air quality,
water quality or conserve water.
July 29, 2011, Washington,
DC – Congressman Dennis Cardoza (CA-18) and Congressman Jim Costa (CA-20)
announced $9.5 million in additional funding assistance for California farmers
seeking to make on farm improvements that will help to improve air quality,
water quality or conserve water.

These funds will be
provided through USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

The additional funding for
the San Joaquin Valley includes $5 million for air quality practices and $4.5
million toward water quality on dairy farms and water conservation. The funding
is offered through the 2008 Farm Bill’s Environmental Quality Incentives
Program (EQIP)
.

Details of the funding
include:

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  • $5 million for EQIP air
    quality practices to help reduce ozone precursors in the high-priority
    non-attainment areas of the San Joaquin Valley; primarily for replacing old
    diesel engines with engines that run 75 percent cleaner.
  • $4.5 million in EQIP for
    water quality and conservation practices in the San Joaquin Valley for
    increasing irrigation system efficiency and managing dairy waste.

“California farmers are
faced with the most stringent environmental standards in the nation. These
additional funds will help alleviate some of the burden on farmers and will
help to improve the environment in the Valley. This is a win for farmers and a
win for the environment,” said Congressman Cardoza.

“This announcement is an
important victory for our farmers and the Valley economy,” said Congressman
Costa. “Valley farmers have been among the most proactive in the nation at
working to improve air and water quality. I am pleased that USDA recognizes the
importance of supporting Valley agriculture as we work to continue these
efforts.”

“We are happy to provide
this additional investment to help farmers and ranchers conserve and improve
California’s air and water quality, and water conservation,” says Ed Burton,
NRCS state conservationist. “While this funding will go primarily toward
pending unfunded applications, our local offices will continue to take new
applications year-round, and offer landowners ongoing conservation planning and
technical assistance. The funding adds to the approximately $60 million NRCS
has already obligated this year in EQIP conservation contracts.”

Interested producers are
encouraged to contact their local NRCS Service Center.

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