Natural Resources Conservation Service N R C S Farm Bill Projects on Vermont Vegetable and Berry Farms Lance E. Gorham Soil Conservationist USDA-NRCS
I know what you re thinking! Ssssssssssssssss I needed help yesterday! Government response time is too slow! I don t want NRCS to know about my erosion problem! The programs won t help my operation! Government forms to much information! NRCS helps livestock operations, not vegetable, small berry, or orchards! Government forms to time consuming! Time to get some more coffee NRCS Programs SEPM for Training Vegetable & Berry Growers
I won t deny: Red Tape Think 2-3 years out NRCS Programs Vermont SEPM Watering for CRC Vegetable Systems Training & Berry Growers August March 14, 2007 2006
I know what you re thinking! USDA NRCS is a non-reporting Agency! Translation: NRCS helps farmers solve resource concerns NRCS Programs SEPM for Training Vegetable & Berry Growers
NRCS History in Vermont Suggests NRCS helps livestock operations, not vegetable, small berry, or orchards! NRCS Programs Vermont SEPM Watering for CRC Vegetable Systems Training & Berry Growers August March 14, 2007 2006
And Historic Records Suggest Livestock related Non-livestock related QuickTime and a TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor are needed to see this picture. NRCS Programs Vermont SEPM Watering for CRC Vegetable Systems Training & Berry Growers August March 14, 2007 2006
NRCS History: Country-wide EQIP - 2004 Grazing Land 16% Other 12% Animal Waste Management 24% Soil Erosion and Sediment Control 21% Irrigation Water Management 27% Source: FSA System 36, 4th Quarter FY-2004 Final NRCS Programs Vermont SEPM Watering for CRC Vegetable Systems Training & Berry Growers August March 14, 2007 2006
Distribution of EQIP Irrigation Management payments in 2004 NRCS Programs Vermont SEPM Watering for CRC Vegetable Systems Training & Berry Growers August March 14, 2007 2006
So then what? NRCS Programs Vermont SEPM Watering for CRC Vegetable Systems Training & Berry Growers August March 14, 2007 2006
August 2007: Vermont NRCS Makes Major Adjustments! Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP): A pool was designated for non-livestock operations. Agricultural Management Assistance Program (AMA): Projects funded to reduce risk from drought. NRCS Programs Vermont SEPM Watering for CRC Vegetable Systems Training & Berry Growers August March 14, 2007 2006
August 2007: Vermont NRCS Begins Outreach! Facing an October 1 st sign-up deadline 31 vegetable, small berry, and orchard operations signed up for EQIP. NRCS Programs Vermont SEPM Watering for CRC Vegetable Systems Training & Berry Growers August March 14, 2007 2006
2008: Vermont NRCS Awards Contracts! 27 EQIP applicants were selected for contract offers; $366,100 worth of conservation practices were awarded via EQIP to vegetable and small berry operations and orchards in 2008; Almost $200,000 worth of conservation practices were awarded via AMA to vegetable and small berry operations and orchards in 2008; NRCS Programs Vermont SEPM Watering for CRC Vegetable Systems Training & Berry Growers August March 14, 2007 2006
What Kind of Projects? Agri-chemical Handling Facility
What Kind of Projects? Cornell Soil Health Tests
What Kind of Projects? Mulching, Crop Rotations, and Winter Cover Crop
What Kind of Projects? Microirrigation systems
What Kind of Projects? Converting from spray systems to drip irrigation
What Kind of Projects? Microirrigation systems
What Kind of Projects? Irrigation Reservoirs
What Kind of Projects? Access Roads & Stream Crossings
What Kind of Projects? Compost Pads
What Kind of Projects? Underground Conveyance
What Kind of Projects? Invasive Species Control
What Kind of Projects? Water Source Development
What Kind of Projects? IPM
What Kind of Projects? Water Source Development & Pumping Plants
What Kind of Projects? Transition to Organic
What Kind of Projects? Prescribed Grazing and Watering Systems
Natural Resources Conservation Service N R C S Farm Bill Programs Provide more than just incentives! On the ground conservation planning by a certified conservation planner. NRCS Programs Watering for Vegetable Systems& Berry Growers
Natural Resources Conservation Service N R C S Farm Bill Programs Grazing specialists Agriculture Engineers Soil scientists Nutrient Management specialists Pest Management Specialists NRCS Programs Watering for Vegetable Systems& Berry Growers
Natural Resources Conservation Service N R C S What s the procedure? Visit your local USDA Service Center Establish eligibility with FSA (paperwork!) Sign up for EQIP and/or AMA NRCS Programs Watering for Vegetable Systems& Berry Growers
Natural Resources Conservation Service N R C S Procedures continued Soil Conservationist visits your farm Conservation Practices and incentives Rank and submit the application Hope for a contract offer! Remember it s all voluntary NRCS Programs Watering for Vegetable Systems& Berry Growers
The best outreach: by the farmers NRCS works with. Bianca Fernandez - Hope Roots Farm
What Kind of Projects? Microirrigation systems Cory Walker Guerrilla Grown Produce
Ahmad Rashed - Rashed s Garden Center
Elizabeth Wood - New Leaf CSA
Howard Prussack - High Meadows Farm and Greenhouses
Boyd Family Farm
Honora Winery & Vineyard
John Richardson - Walnut Ridge Farm
Green Mountain Orchards
For Further Information USDA-NRCS: http://www.vt.nrcs.usda.gov/ Lance Gorham Soil Conservationist Lance.Gorham&vt.usda.gov NRCS Programs SEPM for Training Vegetable & Berry Growers
EEO STATEMENT The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in its programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact the USDA s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint, write the USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Bldg., 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, D.C., 20250-9410, or call 1-202-720-5964. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. NRCS Programs Vermont SEPM for CRC Vegetable Training & Berry Growers August March 14, 2007 2006
Amy Frost - Circle Mountain Farm and CSA