USDA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY INCENTIVES PROGRAM TO ADDRESS AIR QUALITY IN CALIFORNIA

WASHINGTON, Sept. 20, 2002-Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman today announced the availability of more than $950,000 for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) in California. These funds will allow the Natural Resources Conservation Service in the state to focus additional resources on conservation practices which address air quality, as authorized in the 2002 Farm Bill.

"This is an important program that provides tools to producers that strengthen environmental and conservation practices," said Veneman. "We are pleased to announce these funds, which demonstrate the Bush administration's continued commitment to improve air and water quality."

EQIP is a voluntary conservation program that promotes environmental quality and helps producers meet local, state and federal regulations. In fiscal year 2002, this money will help fund all 186 air quality EQIP contracts that have been submitted to local NRCS offices in California. Two air management conservation practices are the focus: chipping of orchard waste, which reduces smoke, and road treatment, which reduces dust.

EQIP funds made available in FY 2002 total $414 million. This includes the initial allocation of $187 million, plus $227 million from the 2002 Farm Bill.

The Bush administration is committed to providing the tools and resources for environmental stewardship and conservation of working lands to ensure that the land remains both healthy and productive. The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 represents an unprecedented investment in conservation on America's private lands, nearly $13 billion over the next six years.

Additional information on EQIP and other conservation programs is on the Web at http://nrcs.usda.gov/programs/farmbill/2002/products.html .

#