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Central Valley dairies eligible for NRCS funding
August 13, 2009 by Marg Land
August 5, 2009, Modesto, CA – Western United Dairymen (WUD) and the
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) are partnering in
a new project to support dairy producers in the Central Valley.
August 5, 2009, Modesto, CA – Western United Dairymen (WUD) and the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) are partnering in a new project to support dairy producers in the Central Valley.
The program is entitled the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP) and will help producers comply with the Central Valley Water Board's General Order.
This partnership, authorized by the 2008 Farm Bill, will augment the current EQIP funding, is specifically targeted to dairies, and will be available in Central Valley dairy counties. It will help fund Waste Management Plans (WMPs) and water quality infrastructure improvements for enhanced water quality protection. WUD, NRCS, dairy farmers, and California Registered Professionals will work together to comply with the regulations. All dairy producers in the Central Valley are eligible to apply.
“WUD is proud to partner with the California NRCS in service to the dairy producers of the Central Valley as they struggle with tough and expensive new regulatory requirements in these stressful financial conditions,” said WUD CEO Michael Marsh. “If we all pull together wherever we can, we can keep our California dairy farms strong.”
A successful applicant will receive funds to hire and work with a California Registered Professional to prepare a Waste Management Plan for their dairy. Projects to improve manure management will also be eligible for funding. There will be a total of $17,300,000 available over a three-year time period, with $5,800,000 in funding available this year.
This partnership project will be administered by NRCS through the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP).
The application period will be announced soon. Please watch for further information as program details are worked out. In the interim, interested producers may contact WUD staff: Paul Martin at (707) 763-8874, Paul Sousa at (209) 527-6453, or the WUD field representative in your area.
