Ag Management of Greenhouse Gases and Carbon Sequestration, Including Practical Applications
Organizers - Warren Busscher, Jorge Delgado, Dianne Stott, USDA-ARS
Moderator - Warren Busscher, USDA-ARS
Greenhouse gas emissions and carbon sequestration - Ron Follett and Alan Franzluebbers, USDA-ARS
Managing for mitigation of greenhouse gases and carbon sequestration in the Midwest - Jane MF Johnson, Don Reicosky, Rod Venterea, and Diane Stott, USDA-ARS
Policy and economic feasibility - Jan Lewandrowski, USDA-Global Change Program Office
The importance of science in carbon credit trading - Al Chan, AgCert International, LLC
Description - This is the 6th annual joint symposium between the Soil and Water Conservation Society and the Soil Science Society of America. The symposium focuses on the practical aspects of reduction of greenhouse gasses and carbon sequestration including farm-level methods and economic feasibility and benefits. The symposium speakers include public and private industry researchers working on greenhouse gases and carbon sequestration from Gracenet (the Greenhouse Gas Reduction through Agricultural Carbon Enhancement Network) and other related groups. The four talks are based on Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Carbon Sequestration, Practical Applications, Policy and Economic Feasibility, and Carbon Credit Trading.
Evaluating the Environmental Benefits of Conservation on Cropland
Over the past year, SWCS has led an effort to document what environmental benefits result when specific conservation practices are applied to cropland—both rainfed and irrigated. Leading scientists were asked to conduct comprehensive literature searches and synthesize what that research literature tells us about the effects on soil, water, and air quality and water conservation. A collaborative effort, led by The Wildlife Society, attempted to assess what impacts the use of specific conservation practices on cropland has on fish and wildlife habitat. This symposium summarizes the results of those two efforts and offers perspectives on what the results mean for agricultural policy experts, conservation researchers, and conservation practitioners.
Session 1
10:30 a.m. Introduction - Mark Weltz, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland
10:40 a.m. Environmental Benefits of Soil Management Practices on Cropland - Dale Westermann, Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Kimberly, Idaho
11:00 a.m. Environmental Benefits of Water Management Practices on Cropland - Jim Baker, Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames
11:20 a.m. Environmental Benefits of Nutrient Management Practices on Cropland - Andrew Sharpley, Pasture Systems and Watershed Management Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, University Park, Pennsylvania
11:40 a.m. Discussion
Session 2
1:30 p.m. Introduction - Max Schnepf, SWCS, Ankeny, Iowa
1:40 p.m. Environmental Benefits of Pest Management Practices on Cropland - Don Wauchope, Southeast Watershed Research Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Tifton, Georgia
2:00 p.m. Environmental Benefits of Landscape-level Management Practices on Cropland - Richard Lowrance, Southeast Watershed Research Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Tifton, Georgia
2:20 p.m. Effects of Cropland Conservation Practices on Fish and Wildlife Habitat -Steve Brady, Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Fort Worth, Texas
2:40 p.m. Discussion
Session 3
3:30 p.m. Moderator - Craig Cox, Executive Director, SWCS, Ankeny, Iowa, The Environmental Benefits of Conservation on Cropland: Implications for Conservation Research, Policy, and Practice
3:35 p.m. Conservation Research - Jean Steiner, Acting Deputy Administrator, Natural Resources and Sustainable Agricultural Systems, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland
3:50 p.m. Conservation Policy - Otto Doering, Professor, Department of Agricultural Economics, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
4:05 p.m. Conservation Practice - Tom Christensen, Deputy Chief for Programs, Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C.
4:20 p.m. Roundtable Discussion
CCA Continuing Education Credits (CEUs)
SW:3.0 NM:0.5 CM: PM: 0.5
Total CEUs: 4.0
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The Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) National Assessment: Status and Plans
Organizer - Robert Kellogg, USDA-NRCS
Moderator – Roberta Parry, U.S. EPA
Opening remarks and overview of the National Assessment - Wayne Maresch, USDA-NRCS
Status and Plans for the Cropland Component - Robert Kellogg, USDA-NRCS
Status and Plans for the Wildlife Component – Charlie Rewa, USDA-NRCS
Status and Plans for the Wetlands Component – Diane Eckles, USDA-NRCS
Description – USDA initiated the Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) in 2003 to quantify the environmental benefits of conservation practices. The National Assessment component of CEAP focuses on developing approaches, methodologies, and databases for estimating benefits of conservation practices at the national level. Significant progress has been made for three components of the National Assessment: 1) cropland, including land enrolled in CRP, 2) wildlife, and 3) wetlands. The current status and future plans of each of these components will be presented and discussed.
CCA Continuing Education Credits (CEUs)
SW:1.0 NM: CM: PM:
Total CEUs: 1.0
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Agricultural Trade and Subsidies: Implications for Conservation
Organizer: Joe Omelian, Jim Bruce and Sarah Workman
Moderator: Sarah Workman
Opening Remarks – Joe Omeilan
Tradition, Trade and Strategy - Dr. Larry Martin, CEO of George Morris Centre
Subsidies, Supporting Farm Incomes and Sustainability - Elbert van Donkersgoed, Strategic Policy Advisor, Christian Farmers Federation
Trade Liberalization and Agriculture: Impacts on Soil and Water Conservation - Henry D. Venema, Director Sustainable Natural Resources Management Programme, International Institute for Sustainable Development, Manitoba
Description: Speakers will provide perspectives from Canada, Mexico, and the United States on Agricultural Trade Liberalization and the status of the trade negotiations, including views from a North American economist’s perspective to a Farmer’s Federation vision for sustainable farming. Presentations will review the potential impacts of liberalization on soil and water conservation and provide evidence from the field of how export prospects or competition with domestic production can be impacted by trade liberalization. Emphasis will be on where soil and water conservation fits within the framework of the discussions (i.e. Green Box/Development Box), noting that key climate change vulnerabilities in southern latitudes are soil and water conservation issues (heat stress, extreme events). For example, the conservation provisions of the recent US Farm Bill would likely be accepted under the “Green Box” as would the recently signed (end of 2003) federal-provincial Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization Program. The realpolitik of linking climate change adaptation to The World Trade Organization negotiations on Agriculture has as a challenge the precedent set by the EU in linking WTO accession by Russia to the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol.
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Healthy Farms, Healthy Food, Healthy World: Reforming U.S. Farm Policy
Organizer – Robert McCracken, American Farmland Trust
Moderator – Jimmy Daukas, American Farmland Trust
Current issues facing U.S. farm policy – Scott Faber, Farm Policy Campaign Director – Environmental Defense
Overview of research efforts and policy proposals – Ann Sorensen, Vice President for Research – American Farmland Trust
Conservation programs in the next farm bill - TBD
Description - While the 2002 Farm Bill provided more funding for conservation programs than ever before, agriculture continues to be a major source of air and water pollution. Farmers and ranchers want to be good stewards of the land—supplying a balance between agricultural production, improved air and water quality, preservation of open spaces and important wildlife habitat—but they need help. Unfortunately, current federal farm policy provides too few incentives to encourage long-term stewardship of the land. The purpose of this session is to explore the ways in which current federal farm policy fails to provide farmers and ranchers with adequate incentives, and how this might be changed in the 2007 farm bill. The discussion will not only include proposals for improving and expanding existing conservation programs, but will also focus on broader policy reform. The presenters will engage the audience in the discussion to gain its response to proposals intended to improve conservation incentive programs and reform commodity programs.
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AEM – A Framework for Prioritizing Conservation Investments in NY’s Farms and Watersheds.
Organizer: Richard P. Lewis, NYSSWCC
Moderator: Rich Lewis
Overview of AEM - Rich Lewis, Associate Environmental Analyst, NYSSWCC
AEM Case Study - Robert Stryker, Water Resource Technician, Ontario County Soil and Water Conservation District
Description: Within New York State, the primary pollution source for nearly 90% of all waters with quality impairments is nonpoint in origin. Of that 90%, agriculture is the second largest known contributor to nonpoint source pollution in New York’s rivers and lakes. Several federal and state laws affect the way agriculture is practiced in New York; including the Clean Water Act; the Safe Drinking Water Act; the Coastal Zone Management Act; and their amendments. In addition, the 2002 Farm Bill contains conservation provisions significant to New York’s agriculture and the environment. In response to these State and Federal agricultural environmental concerns, the New York State Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) initiative was developed by farmers; state, federal, and local governments; and farm conservation professionals. AEM is: voluntary, holistic, watershed-based; and locally-directed. Currently all counties in NY are developing AEM Strategies: to document on a watershed basis a farm’s existing environmental stewardship; to increase the awareness of non-farm community members of how agriculture benefits the environment and their communities; to increase the awareness of farmers of how practices on the farm affect the environment on and off the farm; to provide “one-stop shopping” service to farmers in terms of finding out about, applying for and meshing together various local, state and federal assistance and incentive programs; to help farmers understand and comply with existing and future environmental regulations; and to use limited conservation program technical and financial resources efficiently by working on farms with the greatest potential for impacting the environment.
The session will explain what AEM is, how it is used in New York for setting local priorities for conservation action, how it established an institutional framework for cooperative conservation both locally and statewide and how AEM is being used to provide a uniform message to farmers on what’s expected environmentally and why over 8,000 New York farmers are participating in AEM. We’ll also present a case study on how AEM is helping to set local priorities for conservation action.
CCA Continuing Education Credits (CEUs)
SW:1.5 NM: CM: PM:
Total CEUs: 1.5
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Great Lakes Tributary Modeling: Scientific & Technological Contributions to Best Management Planning
Organizer and Moderator - Alex Brunton, W.F. Baird & Associates
USACE Section 516e Great Lakes Tributary Modeling: project history and current initiatives - Rob Nairn, W.F. Baird & Associates
A rationale for numerical model selection in watershed management systems - Rob Nairn, W.F. Baird & Associates
2-D and 3-D Hydrodynamic and sediment transport modeling in Great Lakes rivers: results and their implementation in BMPs - Alex Brunton, W.F. Baird & Associates
Assessment of sediment loads for the Buffalo River watershed using the GIS-based SWAT model - Anthony Friona, USACE Buffalo District
Integration of distributed hydrologic, sediment yield and sediment delivery models into GIS support tools for watershed management planning - Theresa Possley, W.F. Baird & Associates
Description - The increasing use of computational tools to evaluate surface and subsurface water flow and sediment transport is evident in the implementation of the Great Lakes Tributary Modeling Program, Section 516e of the 1996 Water Resources Development Act. However, different parts of the watershed system (e.g. hillslope overland flow, sediment delivery, river channel flow) are often treated separately and at disparate spatial and temporal scales. The implementation of different numerical models, such as hydrologic, sediment yield, channel hydrodynamic and sediment transport models into GIS-based management systems is still in its infancy. This is problematic when appraising the influence of land use or climate change on catchment sediment movement and river flood hydrographs.
This session addresses the above theme by examining the different types of modeling activities undertaken when creating tools to assist in Best Management Planning (BMP) of watershed sediment issues. Numerical models of watershed hydrology and sediment delivery, 2-D river flow and sediment transport were constructed to develop a general understanding of the hydrologic and geomorphic behavior of these systems, and to predict the effects of changing land use and riparian buffer zone modification. New approaches to geomorphic assessment, and the integration of field and desk studies into the modeling process are also addressed. The challenges and benefits of combining these diverse approaches and their implementation in best management practices are discussed.
CCA Continuing Education Credits (CEUs)
SW:1.0 NM: CM: PM:
Total CEUs: 1.0
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New York City Watershed Agricultural Council: A Successful Urban/Rural Partnership
Organizer & Moderator - John M. Thurgood, Cornell Cooperative Extension in Delaware County
History of the New York City Watershed Agricultural Council
Use of partnerships to meet water quality objectives
Tools employed in comprehensive whole farm planning and implementation
Accomplishments in protecting water quality
Future direction of the Watershed Agricultural Council
Presenters: Brian LaTourette, Agricultural Program Manager, Watershed Agricultural Council,
Michael J. Saviola, East of Hudson Program Manager, Watershed Agricultural Council,
John M. Thurgood, Watershed Agricultural Extension Program Manager, CCEDC,
Description - The New York City (NYC) water supply watersheds comprise a 2000 square mile area of upstate New York, east and west of the Hudson River. This water supply is under a filtration avoidance determination (FAD) provided by the Environmental Protection Agency to the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The terms of the FAD require NYC DEP to fund a voluntary program with farm and forest landowners to prevent pathogens and excess nutrients from entering the surface water supply.
The Watershed Agricultural Council (WAC) was formed in 1992 to implement these watershed protection programs. The WAC is a Board of farm and forest landowners whose mission is to support the economic viability of agricultural and forestry through the protection of water quality and the promotion of land conservation in the New York City watershed region. The success of its programs is largely a result of funding from the NYC DEP, USDA, and private foundations and is built on a partnership of federal, state, county, local, university, and private agencies and organizations.
CCA Continuing Education Credits (CEUs)
SW:1.0 NM: CM: PM:
Total CEUs: 1.0
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Moderator: Les McEwan, Chair, TCMW Communications
Session participants are encouraged to visit our website for detailed session information/instructions prior to the conference www.tobaccocreek.com)
Format: The TCMW would benefit from an expert critique by a broad range of experts. This symposium presentation will outline the evolution and future plans of the TCMW, and solicit structured feedback (according to TCMW Goal) on how we could increase our effectiveness in implementing our five year watershed management and research plan. Presenters include: Les McEwan, president; Bill Turner, field research manager; Bryan Oborne, communications; other.
SWCS professionals interested and involved with agricultural watershed management, community development, scientific monitoring, and extension/communication will be the key target audience. The TCMW will be seeking their guidance on our plans.
In partnership with the Deerwood Soil and Water Management Assoc. (www.deerwood.mb.ca), five Manitoba rural municipalities (local governments) have been working to address longstanding issues related to water management, while addressing emerging community concerns related to water quality, fisheries habitat, and the overriding issue of farm income.
Local, Provincial, and Federal watershed priorities will be implemented through the TCMW, in association with Manitoba’s planning districts, conservation districts and other interested groups. The TCMW research network will also serve to assist in evaluating real watershed solutions, through scientific inquiry, communication/extension, and broad application throughout the Northern Great Plains.
TCMW Goals have been developed based on local community priorities and identified public policy concerns of both the Federal and Provincial governments. Project Teams will be formed on either sub-watershed or regional boundaries (based on elevation) – where common interests bring people together – to solve problems using science (Project Zones).
The TCMW will implement watershed management and research goals using a flexible structure – for action and progress focused on: 1) Improving Net Farm Income and Landscape Diversity; 2) Building Producer Participation and Scientific Monitoring; 3) Planning for Drought, Storage, and Water Management; 4) Protecting Water Quality and Riparian Areas; and 5) Addressing Drainage and Fisheries Habitat.
CCA Continuing Education Credits (CEUs)
SW:1.0 NM: CM: PM:
Total CEUs: 1.0
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The Nutrient Management Impacts of Anaerobic Digestion of Manure
Organizer - Peter Wright
Moderator - Karl Czymmek, PRO-DAIRY, Cornell University
Overview of Anaerobic Digestion on Dairy Farms in NY, Peter Wright, USDA-NRCS
Costs and Benefits of Anaerobic Digestion, Curt Gooch, PRO-DAIRY, Cornell University
Nutrient Management Planner Panel, Art Hanson, Western NY Crop Management Association, Rich Wildman, Agricultural Consulting Servic
Agricultural Drainage Water Management Systems – Improving Water Quality through Research and Technical Assistance
Organizer: Sheryl H. Kunickis, USDA-NRCS, ADMS Task Force
Monday, August 1 Session I 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Moderator – Sheryl H. Kunickis, USDA-NRCS, Washington, D.C.
1:30 Welcome & Introductory Remarks
1:35 Effect of liquid manure application on tile drain water quality - Larry Geohring, Cornell University, NY.
1:55 Measuring Drainage Water Management Impacts on Nitrate Load, Soil Quality, and Yield on Four Indiana Farms - Jane Frankenberger , Purdue University, IN.
2:15 Drainage Ditch and Nitrogen Management - Jeff Strock, University of Minnesota, MN.
2:35 Effects of drainage design and management on N crop yields and N loss to surface waters for Midwestern states - Wayne Skaggs, North Carolina State University, NC.
2:55 Questions & Discussion.
Monday, August 1 Session II 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Moderator – Charlie Schafer, Agri Drain Corporation, IA.
3:30 Welcome & Introductory Remarks
3:35 The Illinois Conservation Drainage Research/Demonstration Program &
The Illinois Drainage Guide (Online): A Tool for Making Drainage Decisions - Richard Cooke, University of Illinois, IL.
3:55 Reducing Runoff, Drainage, and Nitrate Transport from a Corn/Soybean Agroecosystem using Water Table Management - Larry C. Brown, The Ohio State University, OH.
4:15 Agricultural Drainage Water Recycling – Barry J. Allred, ARS Soil Drainage Research Unit, Columbus, OH.
4:35 Drainage Water Management and the Conservation Security Program (CSP) - Dennis Carman, USDA-NRCS, National Water Management Center, AR.
4:55 Questions & Discussion.
Description - In the past, surface and subsurface drains were used to remove excess water from the soil on agricultural lands to provide conditions that are more favorable for crop production. In recent years, science has shown that improved drainage water management is the key to reducing nutrient and pesticide losses to surface and ground waters. Science has also shown that improved drainage management is a major factor in:
Designing and operating more efficient wetlands and conservation buffers,
Improving fish and wildlife habitat,
Reducing problems associated with invasive plants in wetlands and water ways,
Reducing hazards associated with salts and toxic elements on irrigated lands,
Increasing opportunities for enhancing water conservation on range, pasture, and crop lands while enhancing agricultural productivity without requiring additional agricultural lands.
A high percentage of agricultural cropland is artificially sub-surface drained (tile drained). Drainage flow from these systems carry high concentrations of plant nutrients and other chemicals, with nitrates being the most prominent. Practical experience has shown that modifications to existing drainage management systems or improved designs of replacement or new systems allow for better management of quantities and timing of water releases. Farmers are finding that these modifications will reduce losses of nutrients, such as nitrates, and additionally conserve water in the soil for crop uptake and use during drier periods. Drainage water management can improve water quality by reducing the quantity of nutrient drainage leaving fields, and may improve production benefits by extending the period of time when soil water is available to plants.
The partnership of the Agricultural Drainage Water Management Systems Task Force and the Agricultural Drainage Management Coalition has worked diligently to raise the level of awareness of the benefits of drainage water management systems. Researchers from various universities will discuss current research and demonstration projects. The NRCS will discuss opportunities for drainage water management in the Conservation Security Program (CSP).
CCA Continuing Education Credits (CEUs)
SW:1.5 NM: CM: PM:
Total CEUs for session one and two: 1.5
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Manure Management Systems
Organizer & Moderator – Vic Johnson Johnson Ag Consulting
Separation of Solids from Lagoon Sludge Using Geotextile Tubes with Chemical Amendment. - Thomas Bass University of Georgia.
Manure Treatment and Nutrient Control of Dairy Waste on a New York Dairy (A Case Study) - Bernard Sheff, Sheff and Sons Engineering LLC. Eaton Rapids MI
Iron Humate. Uses in Animal Agriculture. - Bob Rehberg Vigiron, Ruskin, FL.
Belt Filter Presses for Phosphorus Removal from Dairy Waste (A Case Study of 2 Michigan Dairies) - Dana Kirk PhD Candidate Michigan State University.
Description - Focus on animal waste treatment for odor and phosphorus control has dairy and swine farmers in a quandary. Several technologies utilizing various treatment methods are operating on or near completion on dairy and swine farms throughout the United States. These presentations will focus on currently operating systems. One system uses geosynthetic materials for dewatering and nutrient removal. Two involve removing solids and nutrients from the waste stream via mechanical means. All systems utilize chemical precipitants for P removal and solids retention. Another system utilizing a co-product from potable water treatment is utilized to remove phosphorus from the waste stream. Each presentation will review costs, P removal rates and the efficiencies associated with the system.
CCA Continuing Education Credits (CEUs)
SW:1.0 NM: CM: PM:
Total CEUs: 1.0
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Variable Source Area Hydrology and its Implications to Soil and Water Conservation Practices
Organizers: Zeyuan Qiu, New Jersey Institute of Technology; and Todd Walter, Cornell University
Session I - Bridging Science and Application
Moderator: Zeyuan Qiu, New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Impact of Variable Source Areas on Water and Solute Exports across Catchment Scales – Shreeram Inamdar, SUNY – Buffalo
- Use of Visual BASIC to Code VSA models in ArcGIS : Advantages and Issues – James A. Zollweg, SUNY – Brockport
- Identifying Runoff Source Areas in a Pasture Dominated Watershed – Indrajeet Chaubey, University of Arkansas
- Variable Source Area Hydrology: A Midwestern Perspective – Jane Frankenberger, Purdue University
- Variable Source Pollution: a New Water Quality Paradigm? – Todd Walter, Cornell University.
Session II – Connecting Science and Policy
Moderator: Todd Walter, Cornell University
- Variable Source Area Hydrology in Soil and Water Conservation: Research to Reality – William J Gburek, USDA-ARS
- Challenges of Linking VSA Concepts with the NY Phosphorus Index – Larry Geohring, Cornell University
- Protection of Critical Source Areas in Landscape through Community-based Land Use Planning and Ordinances – Christine Hall, North Jersey RC&D
- Reducing Environmental Risk through Protection of Critical Areas in Agricultural Landscapes – Gary Lamont, NRCS Walton Service Center, NY
- Barriers and Opportunities of Managing Variable Source Pollution – Zeyuan Qiu, New Jersey Institute of Technology
Description: Since the 1960s, researchers have started to question the appropriateness of the traditional infiltration excess runoff concept for describing runoff process at the landscape scale. It is well established now that the variable source area (VSA) hydrology concept more realistically describes physical runoff processes in many regions, noting that overland flow is generated from relatively small fully saturated portions of a watershed that expand and contract with a watershed’s moisture state. Incorporation of VSA hydrology into the soil and water conservation practices and programs can significantly improve their environmental- and cost-effectiveness. To date, there are only very few, although notable, applications of the concept in soil and water conservation and nonpoint source pollution control. This symposium will bring together scientists and practitioners to discuss the promise and challenges of adopting VSA hydrology into conservation and water quality protection.
CCA Continuing Education Credits (CEUs)
SW:1.5 NM: CM: PM:
Total CEUs for sessions one and two: 1.5
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Southern Plains Agricultural Resources Coalition: Making the Consumer-Producer Link for Sustainability
Organizer & Moderator – Larry Wright, USDA-NRCS
Opening remarks - John Hassell, Executive Director, Conservation Technology Information Center, will provide an overview of the business planning process for broad alliances such as SPARC.
Dean Graumann, no-till farmer, Greer Co., Oklahoma, will discuss why he chose no-till, how it benefits his farm, and how SPARC can further benefit him and his community.
Chuck Willoughby, Business Planning & Marketing Specialist, Food and Agricultural Products Center, Oklahoma State University, will discuss approaches for bringing the certified products to market through existing or new businesses.
Scott Exo, Executive Director, Food Alliance, will discuss certification and marketing programs, using examples from the Pacific Northwest and elsewhere, and discuss the potential and approaches for bringing their programs to the Southern Plains.
Description - The Southern Plains Agricultural Resources Coalition (SPARC) is engaging farmers, researchers, conservationists, community and business leaders, and economic development professionals to work with certification processes and new approaches in marketing to spark agricultural sustainability and profitability through greater use of no-till practices and conservation systems. SPARC serves western Oklahoma and has a goal to broaden coverage to neighboring states in the southern plains region over time. SPARC is focusing on three key areas that offer the greatest potential for improvement: 1. soil quality, 2. economic opportunity, and 3. water resources. This symposium will provide an overview of how the alliances were formed and how the group has developed. A panel discussion will provide the audience opportunities to gain insight in how to apply this approach to their own communities and regions.
CCA Continuing Education Credits (CEUs)
SW:1.0 NM: CM: PM:
Total CEUs: 1.0
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Green Performance – The Conservation Security Program (CSP)
Organizer – Craig Derickson, USDA-NRCS
Moderator – Tim Searchinger, Environmental Defense
Opening remarks – Kevin Brown, USDA-NRCS.
Overview of realizing the promise of CSP: Creating a new paradigm about conservation programs and activities to foster ‘green ticket’ payments, within NRCS, the public and policy makers – Carole Jett, USDA-NRCS.
The Greatest Challenge : Implementing a Capped Entitlement Program – Craig Derickson, USDA-NRCS.
New Opportunities in Science and Technology: Meeting the demands of new technology and new customers – Carolyn Adams, USDA-NRCS.
New strategies for estimating benefits of conservation practices and activities that exceed the customary quality criteria – Doug Lawerence, USDA-NRCS.
Description – An SWCS report in 2002, Seeking Common Ground for Conservation, emphasized that the next farm bill should “strengthen U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) conservation policy and programs enough to ensure that commercial viability and environmental quality become compatible goals.” SWCS indicated the basic need for a better balance between land retirement programs and conservation on working lands. The society proposed greater support for conservation on lands that were used to produce food, feed, fiber, and animal products, rather than land retirement programs like the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Other recommendations in the report were described as “green payments,” to recognize “good actors by giving them credit for existing conservation practices when determining their eligibility or priority for participation in USDA conservation programs and by cost-sharing maintenance of existing or newly installed conservation systems or habitat.” And now, USDA is working to implement a program that rewards land stewards and “green performance” with the Conservation Security Program (CSP). From a policy and program perspective, the CSP is an entitlement program open to nearly 850 million acres of working land with a prohibition on ranking or prioritizing applications and a statutory cap 15% on technical assistance. There are not sufficient funds to allow everyone to participate. CSP has been designed to provide payments for those eligible applicants who meet the highest level of environmental performance. Environmental performance and actual field based outcomes have proven difficult for agencies to establish and report. Typically agencies report progress toward achieving environmental goals as outputs such as acres managed (for example resource management systems planned or applied on grazing lands), acres created (such as wetlands), or permits issued (for regulatory agencies). NRCS broke through the performance outcome barrier with its use of the soil conditioning index (SCI) during the 2004 CSP sign-up. The SCI estimates the amount of net carbon stored in the soil and the reduction in sediment leaving the land on an annual basis. The enhancement payment is based on the value of the outcomes rather than calculated on the paradigm for cost-share programs - the cost of implementing an activity. This session will explore the challenges of policy development, program implementation, and the measurement of environmental and economic benefits.
CCA Continuing Education Credits (CEUs)
SW:1.0 NM: CM: PM:
Total CEUs: 1.0
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Title: Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems: Implications for Agricultural Resource Conservation
Session I.
Organizer: Kathryn Ruhf, NESAWG
Moderator: Kathy Lawrence (former Executive Director, National Campaign for Sustainable Agriculture)
Presenters:
· Thomas Lyson (Professor, Development Sociology, Community, Food and Agriculture Program, Cornell University)
· Kathryn Ruhf (Coordinator, Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Working Group)
· Heidi Mouillesseaux-Kunzmann (Coordinator, Community, Food, and Agriculture Program, Department of Rural Sociology, Cornell University)
Description: Farm policies have an enormous impact on agricultural production practices, market opportunities, the structure of agriculture, the natural resource base, and the food we eat. There will be a dramatic increase in focus on conservation policy as we head toward the next Farm Bill. Policymakers will seek conservation programs that also address the interests of consumers, communities and economic development. In this double-session symposium, leaders in sustainable agriculture and food systems will take a systems perspective to examine the relationships among conservation, economic development, food safety and consumer preferences. Presenters will present data and discuss what is being done at all levels to promote far-reaching shifts in food and farm policy to protect both natural resources and social capital. They will also consider the role of citizens in shaping food trends as well as farm policy.
In session I, presenters will discuss various models and frameworks for understanding food systems. They will present data derived from the Census of Agriculture, research by Cornell University and other sources to describe food systems and their relationship to local and regional economies, land use and conservation.
Session II.
Moderator: Kathryn Ruhf, NESAWG
Presenters:
· Jennifer Wilkins (Senior Extension Associate, Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University)
· Thomas Lyson (Professor, Development Sociology, Community, Food and Agriculture Program, Cornell University)
· Kathy Lawrence (former Executive Director, National Campaign for Sustainable Agriculture)
· Hank Herrera (New York Sustainable Agriculture Working Group)
Description: Farm policies have an enormous impact on agricultural production practices, market opportunities, the structure of agriculture, the natural resource base, and the food we eat. There will be a dramatic increase in focus on conservation policy as we head toward the next Farm Bill. Policymakers will seek conservation programs that also address the interests of consumers, communities and economic development. In this double-session symposium, leaders in sustainable agriculture and food systems will take a systems perspective to examine the relationships among conservation, economic development, food safety and consumer preferences. Presenters will present data and discuss what is being done at all levels to promote far-reaching shifts in food and farm policy to protect both natural resources and social capital. They will also consider the role of citizens in shaping food trends as well as farm policy.
In Session II, presenters will present information on the recently released USDA dietary guidelines and food pyramid and their implications for sustainable food systems. They will present current data on consumer food choices, trends and implications. They will provide an overview of conservation policy work at local, regional and national levels and offer a framework for USDA field personnel and others to connect conservation policy and practice.
