USDA Seeks Comments on 2008 Farm Bill Programs

Note:  USDA has re-opened the public comment period for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP), in addition to correcting language related to payment limits for joint operations for these two programs.  The public comment period ends April 17, 2009.

Environmental Quality Incentives Program Federal Register Notice
Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program Federal Register Notice

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Bangor, ME – January 30, 2009 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking public comments on many of the conservation programs authorized in the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Farm Bill) which became law in early summer 2008. “From the time that the new Farm Bill was passed, NRCS has been busy developing proposed rules for the majority of the programs under the Conservation title of the bill”, said Joyce Swartzendruber, State Conservationist for NRCS in Maine. “They have now been published in the Federal Register and we encourage written comments from individuals as well as governmental agencies and nongovernmental organizations.”

Proposed rules available for public comment include:

(Note:  Clink on the program name to go directly to the proposed rule.)

o The Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP) – Established for the purpose of restoring and enhancing forest ecosystems to promote the recovery of threatened and endangered species, improve biodiversity and enhance carbon sequestration. Comments must be received by February 13, 2009.
o The Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program (FRPP) – Helps farmers and ranchers keep their land in agriculture and prevents conversion of agricultural land to non-agricultural uses. Comments must be received by March 17, 2009.
o The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) – Provides assistance to farmers and ranchers who face threats to soil, water, air, and related natural resources on their land. Comments must be received by April 17, 2009.
o The Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) – Provides assistance to eligible landowners to restore, enhance, and protect wetlands. Comments must be received by March 16, 2009.
o The Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) – Offers landowners the opportunity to protect, restore, and enhance grasslands on their property. Comments must be received by March 22, 2009.
o The Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) – Encourages creation of high quality wildlife habitats that support wildlife populations of National, State, Tribal, and local significance. Comments must be received by April 17, 2009.

NRCS is also seeking public comments on changes to the Technical Service Provider (TSP) process and Regional Equity. TSPs are individuals, private businesses, non-profit organizations or public agencies outside of USDA that help agricultural producers apply conservation practices on their land. Comments on the proposed rule must be received by March 17, 2009.

The purpose of the Regional Equity provision is to give priority to certain states for certain conservation program funding. States eligible to receive funding through the Regional Equity provision are those that have not received, for a given fiscal year, an aggregate allocation of at least $15,000,000 from programs specified in the provision. Maine is usually one of those states. Comments on this provision must be received by March 16, 2009.

Since its inception in 1935, NRCS’ conservation delivery system continues a unique partnership, delivering conservation that respects local needs, while accommodating state and national interests. It is an efficient, interdependent, locally-based conservation support system. For more information on NRCS and the conservation programs available in your community, visit your local USDA service center or visit NRCS online at http://www.me.nrcs.usda.gov.

National NRCS 2008 Farm Bill Program Website
   

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