USDA and EPA sign MoU for water conservation in Minnesota

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the state of Minnesota have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to improve water quality in the area.

Under the deal, a new state programme will be developed for farmers to increase the adoption of water conservation activities that protect local rivers, streams and other waters by reducing fertiliser run-off as well as soil erosion.

Minnesota, with assistance from USDA and EPA, will develop its certainty process for water quality improvements on private agricultural lands and eligible tribal lands in high priority watersheds.

The programme enables the state to provide assurances as well as incentives to the participating producers, who undertake conservation activities to reduce nutrient run-off and erosion, that their farms will meet Minnesota’s water quality standards and goals.

The state and its partners will establish a technical advisory committee to develop the certification programme that will support the state’s water quality targets.

The Minnesota agricultural water quality certification programme is a state-federal partnership that includes the USDA, the EPA, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, as well as the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

USDA secretary Tom Vilsack said the plan will protect the water resources by providing assurances and incentives to participating farmers that their good deeds will be recognised. "Farmers will know the rules of the game while the state, EPA and the public will know that this programme will lead to cleaner water," he said.

 

Image: A new programme will be developed by federal agencies to protect local rivers and streams in the state of Minnesota. Photo: Tim Kiser