More than 200 farmers hope to participate in a new federal program to encourage and reward environmentally sound farming practices.
The Conservation Security Program plans to recognize about 5,000 farmers nationally and has a fund of $40 million. Farmers selected from among the applicants must sign a five- to 10-year contract with the U.S. Department of Agriculture promising to continue their conservation efforts, which would include using techniques that prevent soil erosion, water pollution and other environmental hazards.
The number of applications from Wisconsin is among the highest in the targeted areas, which lie within 18 selected watersheds. The program will offer grants of $20,000 or more a year within the targeted areas of the Chippewa Valley in the Ninth District and Walworth County in southeastern Wisconsin. Applicants should learn by the end of the year if they were among those selected to receive a grant.
—Kathy Cobb
