USDA Accepting Applications for Irrigation Assistance

Bangor, Maine, January 9, 2012 – The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Maine has announced that they have received Fiscal Year 2012 Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) program funds for irrigation assistance to private landowners in Maine. Approximately $294,000 will be made available to both large- and small-scale irrigators. The deadline for applications is February 10, 2012.

AMA, administered by NRCS, is available in 16 states where participation in the Federal Crop Insurance Program is historically low. AMA assists agricultural producers to manage risk and voluntarily address issues such as water management, water quality, and erosion control by incorporating conservation practices into their farming operations.

“This program gives landowners an additional opportunity to construct or improve their water management structures and to mitigate risk through production diversification or resource conservation practices,” said Juan Hernandez, State Conservationist for NRCS in Maine. “This will benefit not only the landowner, but their neighbors and community as well.”

Under AMA, contracts will have a one to ten-year contract period, and the practices must be maintained for the life of the practice. There is a $50,000 per year payment limitation per participant.

Sign-up for AMA is available on a continuous basis. Landowners can sign up for this program at their local USDA Service Center/Natural Resources Conservation Service office, listed online at http://offices.usda.gov or in the telephone book under United States Government, Agriculture Department. Applications received by February 10, 2012 will be considered for funding in Fiscal Year 2012.

For more information about AMA and other NRCS conservation programs, visit your local USDA Service Center or go to www.me.nrcs.usda.gov. 

Maine NRCS Agricultural Management Assistance Website

National NRCS Agricultural Management Assistance Website

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