Nrcs - Dc Talking Points - June 2008
This document was uploaded by user and they confirmed that they have the permission to share it. If you are author or own the copyright of this book, please report to us by using this DMCA report form. Report DMCA
Overview
Download & View Nrcs - Dc Talking Points - June 2008 as PDF for free.
More details
- Words: 593
- Pages: 2
USDA Service Center Space Agreements
Page 1 of 2
DC Talking Points June 2008
Farm Bill Update
Fourteen of the 15 titles of the Farm Bill are now law, including the Conservation Title. Below is a summary of some of the conservation program changes in the Conservation Title: Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) – Reauthorized through 2012 with an increase in overall program acres and removal of the annual acreage cap. Enrollment is limited to private or Tribal lands. Permanent and 30-year easements and restoration agreements are maintained. Enrollment of land where ownership has changed during the previous 7 years is prohibited. Easement compensation is changed to the lowest of: fair market value, geographic cap, or the landowner offer. Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) – Expands purpose to include forest management and energy conservation benefits associated with conservation practices. Establishes a payment limitation of $300,000 per person or legal entity, unless a project has special environmental significance. Allows payments to limited resource, socially disadvantaged (minority), or beginning farmers that reflect up to 90 percent of the cost or at least 25 percent above the otherwise applicable rate. These producers can also request advance payment covering up to 30 percent of the cost of materials to install conservation improvements. Continues that 60 percent of funding must be targeted to practices that benefit livestock producers. Payments are authorized for practices that help producers currently engaged in or transitioning to organic production. Authorizes payments for practices that address air quality concerns from ag operations using innovative technologies. Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP) – Authorizes a new activity within EQIP to promote ground and surface water conservation and improve water quality on ag lands. The Secretary can enter into contracts directly with producers, or enter into partnership agreements to carry out the program activities. Partners would be selected competitively, and dedicated funds would be used in their project area to enroll EQIP eligible producers. Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) - Reauthorizes WHIP through 2012. Limits contracts to private ag land, non-industrial private forestland, and tribal lands. Increases the percentage of long-term agreements from 15 to 25 percent. Allows a priority for projects that further national, state or regional habitat goals. Establishes payment limits to a person or legal entity of not more than $50,000 per year. Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) – Establishes a new CSP for 2009 through 2017 to assist producers in implementing conservation activities applicable to their operation and rewarding stewardship on working lands. Specifies that lands enrolled in CRP, WRP, GRP or that have not been cropped for four out of the past 6 years cannot receive a CSP payment. Eligible producers must meet the stewardship threshold for one resource concern and be willing to achieve the threshold for at least one additional priority resource concern by the end of their five-year contract. Applicants must account for their stewardship activities covering their entire ag operation.
2007 Census of Agriculture It’s not too late to respond! It is important that every farm and ranch in the United States is counted. So while the “official” response deadline was Feb. 4, USDA National Ag Statistics Service will actually accept responses through June 14. Please help spread the word that census report forms can be returned by mail, or for the first time, can also be submitted online via a secure web site at www.agcensus.usda.gov. If farmers need more information, or need help completing their Census form, they can call toll-free (888) 424-7828 or visit www.agcensus.usda.gov.
http://www.in.nrcs.usda.gov/intranet/DC%20talking%20points/DC_TalkPts_6-08.htm
8/11/2008
USDA Service Center Space Agreements
Page 2 of 2
http://www.in.nrcs.usda.gov/intranet/DC%20talking%20points/DC_TalkPts_6-08.htm
8/11/2008
Page 1 of 2
DC Talking Points June 2008
Farm Bill Update
Fourteen of the 15 titles of the Farm Bill are now law, including the Conservation Title. Below is a summary of some of the conservation program changes in the Conservation Title: Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) – Reauthorized through 2012 with an increase in overall program acres and removal of the annual acreage cap. Enrollment is limited to private or Tribal lands. Permanent and 30-year easements and restoration agreements are maintained. Enrollment of land where ownership has changed during the previous 7 years is prohibited. Easement compensation is changed to the lowest of: fair market value, geographic cap, or the landowner offer. Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) – Expands purpose to include forest management and energy conservation benefits associated with conservation practices. Establishes a payment limitation of $300,000 per person or legal entity, unless a project has special environmental significance. Allows payments to limited resource, socially disadvantaged (minority), or beginning farmers that reflect up to 90 percent of the cost or at least 25 percent above the otherwise applicable rate. These producers can also request advance payment covering up to 30 percent of the cost of materials to install conservation improvements. Continues that 60 percent of funding must be targeted to practices that benefit livestock producers. Payments are authorized for practices that help producers currently engaged in or transitioning to organic production. Authorizes payments for practices that address air quality concerns from ag operations using innovative technologies. Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP) – Authorizes a new activity within EQIP to promote ground and surface water conservation and improve water quality on ag lands. The Secretary can enter into contracts directly with producers, or enter into partnership agreements to carry out the program activities. Partners would be selected competitively, and dedicated funds would be used in their project area to enroll EQIP eligible producers. Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) - Reauthorizes WHIP through 2012. Limits contracts to private ag land, non-industrial private forestland, and tribal lands. Increases the percentage of long-term agreements from 15 to 25 percent. Allows a priority for projects that further national, state or regional habitat goals. Establishes payment limits to a person or legal entity of not more than $50,000 per year. Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) – Establishes a new CSP for 2009 through 2017 to assist producers in implementing conservation activities applicable to their operation and rewarding stewardship on working lands. Specifies that lands enrolled in CRP, WRP, GRP or that have not been cropped for four out of the past 6 years cannot receive a CSP payment. Eligible producers must meet the stewardship threshold for one resource concern and be willing to achieve the threshold for at least one additional priority resource concern by the end of their five-year contract. Applicants must account for their stewardship activities covering their entire ag operation.
2007 Census of Agriculture It’s not too late to respond! It is important that every farm and ranch in the United States is counted. So while the “official” response deadline was Feb. 4, USDA National Ag Statistics Service will actually accept responses through June 14. Please help spread the word that census report forms can be returned by mail, or for the first time, can also be submitted online via a secure web site at www.agcensus.usda.gov. If farmers need more information, or need help completing their Census form, they can call toll-free (888) 424-7828 or visit www.agcensus.usda.gov.
http://www.in.nrcs.usda.gov/intranet/DC%20talking%20points/DC_TalkPts_6-08.htm
8/11/2008
USDA Service Center Space Agreements
Page 2 of 2
http://www.in.nrcs.usda.gov/intranet/DC%20talking%20points/DC_TalkPts_6-08.htm
8/11/2008
Related Documents
Nrcs - Dc Talking Points - June 2008
June 2020 1
Nrcs - Dc Talking Points - April 2008
June 2020 2
Nrcs - Dc Talking Points - May 2008
June 2020 0
Nrcs - Dc Talking Points - July 2008
June 2020 0
