USDA Awards California Conservation Contracts

Lincoln E. Burton, state conservationist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service in California has announced that statewide distribution of conservation cost-share contracts has been completed for fiscal year 2008. According to Burton, 1,078 farmers and ranchers are receiving contracts totaling nearly $39 million under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

"Agricultural producers work hard to find the best ways to be economically and environmentally sustainable," Burton said. "EQIP helps us combine the vital work of conservation planning for the landscape with an economic assistance tool to implement needed improvements on a scheduled timetable."

Some of the most popular conservation improvements funded this year include the following: water efficiency measures such as micro-irrigation systems and lined ditches, water quality management such as integrated pest management, riparian stabilization and an increased use of hedgerows; and erosion control measures such as increased conservation tillage and residue management.

Source: Earth Times