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NRCS introduces its new air quality initiativeColorado The Natural Resources Conservation Service is working to help farmers and ranchers improve air quality. Under the 2008 Food, Conservation and Energy Act (2008 farm bill), NRCS will provide eligible producers with financial and technical assistance to implement cost-effective and innovative practices that reduce harmful fine particulate matter and 8-hour surface ozone (the primary component of smog) into the atmosphere. Nationally, $37,000,000 has been allocated for this initiative in 2010, which includes the $1.4 million in Colorado funding. NRCS will utilize its Environmental Quality Incentives Program to manage and administer the air quality initiative. EQIP is a voluntary conservation program that supports agricultural producers and offers financial and technical assistance to help them install structural and management conservation practices on agricultural land. "Although landowners may apply for assistance through the traditional EQIP program," states Tim Carney, NRCS assistance state conservationist for programs, Lakewood, Colo., "these funds are targeted for specific practices which will allow for increased opportunity for enrollment for those landowners desiring to implement the air quality improvement practices." NRCS has identified numerous conservation practices that farmers may chose to implement under the 2010 Initiative. No-till, for example, is offered as a conservation practice because the reduced fuel usage of a no-till system reduces ozone and particulate matter emissions. Several conservation practices pertaining to animal agriculture such as manure storage structures, waste utilization and prescribed grazing are offered which will reduce dust, intercept particulate matter, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. "Colorado farmers face increasing pressure to consider air quality issues as they plan and conduct their farming operations," Carney goes on to say. "This one of the reasons NRCS is offering this assistance." NRCS will target the following counties that are in non-attainment with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency National Ambient Air Quality Standards for 8-hour surface ozone: Douglas, Jefferson, Denver, Arapahoe, Adams, Broomfield, Boulder, Weld and Larimer. Applications are accepted by NRCS throughout the year to evaluate, rank, prioritize, and select applicants. However, applications received by April 1 will be considered for the 2010 initiative funding. Applications received after April 1 will automatically be entered into consideration for the next cycle of air quality initiative funding or traditional EQIP funding and ranked accordingly. Farmers interested in applying for the Colorado EQIP Air Quality Initiative should contact the local NRCS field office located in the USDA Service Center that services their county or they may visit www.co.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/index.html.
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