May 13, 2003 was the first anniversary of the 2002 Farm Bill. By this time all employees should have received my letter of thanks for the extraordinary effort you put into implementing the new law.

As you know, Farm Bill implementation was and continues to be a massive undertaking. The bill includes 10 titles and over 400 pages with numerous sections and provisions. Literally tens of thousands of USDA employees have played a part in this effort by conducting all sorts of analyses; developing decision documents; writing record numbers of regulations; developing software and websites; preparing reports, studies, correspondence and press releases; convening outreach conferences; signing-up participants; and issuing program benefits. This was a major challenge given the late passage of the bill.

However, there is still much work left to be done particularly in implementing the conservation title of the Farm Bill. The new law expands pre-existing programs and creates two new programs that focus on protecting valuable grasslands and improving forestlands. In addition, President George W. Bush has charged USDA to reduce greenhouse gases and to increase carbon storage through targeted incentives for landowners.

I recently announced that for the first time ever, USDA will factor in greenhouse gas benefits when we set priorities within our conservation programs. These steps will allow our offices and the states to consider carbon sequestration and reductions in methane and nitrous oxide emissions when allocating funds, ranking their activities, and providing support and technical assistance.

Under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, our chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service has already provided guidance to states to reward actions that provide greenhouse gas benefits within the EQIP ranking system. We will follow this up with new standards for low greenhouse gas-emitting technologies, practices, and technical assistance.

The President believes in the creativity, the dedication, and the hard work of the American people to all work toward a healthier and cleaner environment for this generation and all of those who will follow.

As you take up this new challenge I have every confidence in your continued success in serving producers and other program participants. Once again, I thank you for your hard work and dedication. I am proud of all that our employees do. •