· web view matrix classification country: united states environmental objective(s): generic/broad...

Matrix Classification

Country: United States Environmental Objective(s):Soil quality; Biodiversity; Landscape; Reduce Water Pollution;

Reduce Air Pollution; Sinks; Other Sustainable Resource Practices Type(s) of Measure: Payments Based On Fixed Assets; Payments Based On Land Retirement;

Technical Assistance/Extension;

Policy CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM (CRP)

Agency

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) administers the Conservation Reserve Program in cooperation with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Cooperative State Research and Education Service, State Foresters and the local soil and water conservation districts.

Relevant Legislation The CRP was established by the Food Security Act of 1985 (1985 Farm Act). It was extended by the Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act of 1990 (1990 Farm Act), the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (1996 Farm Act) and the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (2002 Farm Bill).

Overall Objective To encourage farmers to plant long-term resource-conserving covers – intended environmental gains include habitat and water quality improvements; soil erosion reduction and productivity gains; air quality improvements and carbon sequestration.

Delivery Mechanism The CRP is a voluntary program that offers long term rental payments, cost share assistance and technical assistance to farmers to convert highly erodible cropland or other environmentally sensitive acreage to vegetative cover, such as tame or native grasses, wildlife plantings, trees, filterstrips, or riparian buffers.

The program provides farmers an annual rental per hectare payment on land placed in a permanent cover under a 10-15 year contract; half of the cost of establishing a permanent land cover; and funds technical assistance and extension to help farms to adopt the program. Land is selected based on the magnitude of the likely environmental gain relative to the rental payment.

Contracts are for a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of 15 years.Targets

When Applied The CRP has been applied since 1985.

Coverage/Eligibility

A nation-wide, voluntary program.

Participation is limited to erosion prone agricultural land in designated conservation priority areas or other regions where establishment of a cover crop will potentially reduce watershed or wellshed contamination.

The USDA uses an ‘Environmental Benefits Index’ (EBI) to determine the acreage to accept in the CRP. USDA estimates an EBI score for proposed CRP contracts based on weighted values for environmental services likely to be derived, and ranks contracts by the EBI score.

The program is offered nation-wide. There is a maximum enrolment area of 15.9 million hectares.

Costs Land retirement programs have dominated agricultural conservation expenditures since the mid-1980s, and the CRP is by far the most significant of these, accounting for some 96 percent of all spending on retirement programs. Since 1996, CRP rental payments have averaged $1.5 billion per year.

For budgetary figures over the period 1986-2001 see budgetary table ****

Participation/Results

The value of benefits from erosion reductions on acreage enrolled in the CRP, based on the National Resources Inventory (NRI) ####, is estimated to exceed $690 million per year.

Wildlife habitat improved by enrolling land in the CRP is estimated to provide over $700 million per year in benefits from enhanced hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities (Feather, Hellerstein, and Hansen, Economic Valuation of Environmental Benefits and the Targeting of Conservation Programs: The Case of the CRP, Economic Research Service, USDA; see www.ers.usda.gov/publications/aer778/).

In the prairie pothole region of North and South Dakota and Minnesota, the CRP contributed to a 30 percent improvement in duck production, or 10.5 million more ducks, between 1992 and 1997.

Http://agriculture.senate.gov/Hearings/Hearings_2001/February_28__2001/0228smi.htm

How Programme is Monitored/Evaluated

The National Resources Inventory (NRI) ####, which is compiled every five years, provides an indication of the benefits of the CRP in terms of soil erosion. The effectiveness of the CRP has also been evaluated by the Economic Research Service of USDA , as described under Participation/Results.

Sources/Further Information Farm Service Agency fact sheets on lineHttp://www.fsa.usda.gov/pas/publications/facts/html/crp02.htmEconomic Research Service analysis of the 2002 Farm BillHttp://www.ers.usda.gov/Features/FarmBill/Titles/TitleIIConservation.htm

http://www.ers.usda.gov/Features/FarmBill/Titles/TitleIIConservation.htm

http://www.fsa.usda.gov/pas/publications/facts/html/crp02.htm

http://agriculture.senate.gov/Hearings/Hearings_2001/February_28__2001/0228smi.htm

http://agriculture.senate.gov/Hearings/Hearings_2001/February_28__2001/0228smi.htm


Country: United States Environmental Objective(s): Biodiversity; Reduce Water Pollution; Type(s) of Measure: Payments Based On Fixed Assets; Payments Based On Land Retirement;

Technical Assistance/Extension

Policy CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM (CRP) WETLAND ENROLLMENT PILOT PROGRAM

Agency

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) in cooperation with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Cooperative State Research and Education Service, State Foresters and the local soil and water conservation districts.

Relevant Legislation Initiated under the 2001 Agricultural Appropriation Act and extended under the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (2002 Farm Bill).

Overall Objective To enable farm wetland to be enrolled under the CRP####.

Delivery Mechanism Payments are to be commensurate with those provided to landowners who enroll filter strips in CRP ####.

Targets

When Applied



There is an enrolment cap of 0.4 million hectares (part of overall CRP ####acreage cap). Enrolment is limited to 40,470 hectares in any one State.

Costs

Participation/Results How Programme is Monitored/EvaluatedSource/Further Information Economic Research Service analysis of the 2002 Farm Bill




Country: United States Environmental Objective(s): Soil Quality; Water Resources; Biodiversity; Reduce Water

Pollution Type(s) of Measure: Payments Based On Land Retirement; Payments Based On Land

Retirement; Technical Assistance/Extension

Policy CONSERVATION RESERVE ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM (CREP)

Agency

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)/States

Relevant Legislation This program was initiated following the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (1996 Farm Act). It was created administratively using standing authority under the CRP program.

Overall Objective To address specific State and nationally significant water quality, soil erosion, and wildlife habitat issues related to agriculture.

Delivery Mechanism CREP offers additional financial incentives beyond the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) #### to encourage farmers and ranchers to enroll in 10-15 year contracts to retire land from production.

Targets

When Applied Established in 1996.

Coverage/Eligibility A nation-wide voluntary program.Acres enrolled under CREP count toward the overall CRP ####acreage cap.

Costs

Participation/ Results

How Programme is Monitored/EvaluatedSource/Further Information Economic Research Service analysis of the 2002 Farm Bill




Country: United States Environmental Objective(s): Reduce Water Pollution Type(s) of Measure: Community-Based Measures

Policy WASTE AND WASTE FACILITIES PROGRAMS

Agency

Rural Utility Service (RUS): U.S. Department of Agriculture(USDA)

Relevant Legislation 1996 Farm Act Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (2002 Farm Bill)

Overall Objective To develop water and waste disposal (including solid waste disposal and storm drainage) systems in rural areas and towns.

Delivery Mechanism RUS administers water and waste facility grants. Grants may be made for up to 75 percent of eligible project costs in some cases. RUS also guarantees water and waste disposal loans made by banks and other eligible lenders. These programs are available to public entities such as municipalities, counties, special-purpose districts, Indian tribes, and corporations not operated for profit.

A percentage of the Grant program is available each year to provide technical assistance for rural communities with a population of 10,000 or less. Grant funds may be used to assist communities and rural areas identify and evaluate solutions to water or wastewater problems; and improve facility operation and maintenance activities.

A new program of Search Grants is also authorized from 2002-2007 to assist very small communities (under 3,000 population) in preparing feasibility and environmental studies required to meet water and waste environmental standards. Eligibility requires that the communities demonstrate inability to obtain sufficient funding from traditional sources to complete legally mandated feasibility or environmental studies.

Targets

When Applied Grants and Loans featured in the 1996 Farm Act, and were modified under the 2002 Farm Bill.


See under Delivery Mechanism.

Costs The $590 million limit on annual authorizations for grants, which was imposed under the 1996 Farm Act, was removed under the 2002 Farm Bill.

Under the 2002 Farm Bill, funding of $360 million is also authorized for a one-time reduction in the backlog of qualified, pending applications for grants and loans for water and waste disposal and emergency community water assistance.

Search Grants are authorized at $51 million per year over 2002-2007. Participation/Results How Programme is Monitored/EvaluatedSource/Further Information Economic Research Service analysis of the 2002 Farm Bill

http://www.ers.usda.gov/features/farmbill/titles/titleviruraldevelopment.htm

http://www.ers.usda.gov/features/farmbill/titles/titleviruraldevelopment.htm


Country: United States Environmental Objective(s): Biodiversity; Reduce Water Pollution Type(s) of Measure: Payments Based On Fixed Assets; Payments Based On Land Retirement;


Policy WETLANDS RESERVE PROGRAM (WRP)

Agency

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and funded through the Commodity Credit Corporation.

Relevant Legislation Mandated by Section 1237 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-198), as amended by the Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act of 1990 (P.L. 104-624) and the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-127). The WRP is reauthorized in the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (2002 Farm Bill).

Overall Objective To restore the functions and values of wetlands for migratory birds and other wildlife, improve water quality, aid flood water retention and ground water recharge, increase open space, and provide aesthetic values and environmental education opportunities.

Delivery Mechanism The WRP authorizes the Federal government to purchase from landowners: permanent wetland conservation easements; 30-year wetland conservation easements; or cost-share payments for wetlands rehabilitation practices.

Technical Assistance is also provided by the NRCS.Targets

When Applied From 1990.



Projects and lands with the greatest wetland values are given the highest priority under the WRP. Generally, agricultural lands containing restorable wetlands are eligible for funding, although forested lands are only eligible for participation in WRP if they are not enrolled in CRP####.

The national maximum acreage cap for the WRP is 0.9 million hectares (2.3 million acres).

Costs For budgetary figures over the period 1986-2001 see budgetary table ****

The 2002 Farm Bill increased the overall budget authority for the WRP by $1.5 billion.


The WRP has been the single largest federal wetland restoration effort, enrolling over 400,950 hectares since 1990, an average of roughly 40,500 hectares per year (including the Emergency Wetlands Reserve Program #### expenditures in 1993-94).

How Programme is Monitored/EvaluatedSource/Further Information Natural Resource Conservation Service Programs

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/wrp/

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/wrp/


Country: United States Environmental Objective(s): Generic/Broad Spectrum; Water Resources; Other Sustainable

Resource Practices Type(s) of Measure: Payments Based On Fixed Assets; Payments Based On Farm Practices;

Technical Assistance/Extension; Research/Education

Policy ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY INCENTIVES PROGRAM (EQIP)

Agency

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Relevant Legislation Established by the 1996 Farm Act and reauthorized in the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Farm Bill)

Overall Objective To compensate landowners for the lack of market incentive to invest in public goods. Also to encourage landowners to make long term investments in maintaining the natural resource base (particularly land management practices capable of arresting or reversing damage to environmentally sensitive areas).

Delivery Mechanism EQIP offers financial and technical help to assist eligible participants install or implement structural and management practices on eligible agricultural land. EQIP offers contracts that provide incentive payments and cost-shares to implement conservation practices. The contracts have a minimum term that ends one year after the implementation of the last scheduled practices and a maximum term of ten years.

EQIP activities are carried out according to a plan of operations developed in conjunction with the producer that identifies the appropriate conservation practice or practices to address the resource concerns. The practices are subject to technical standards adapted for local conditions.

EQIP may cost-share up to 75 percent of the costs of certain conservation practices. However, limited resource producers and beginning farmers and ranchers may be eligible for cost-shares up to 90 percent. For 2002 – 2007 is limited to USD 450 000 per individual or entity. Incentive payments may be provided for up to three years to encourage producers to carry out management practices they may not otherwise use without the incentive. Farmers and ranchers may elect to use a certified third-party provider for technical assistance.

EQIP provides funding specifically to promote ground and surface water conservation activities to improve irrigation systems; convert to the production of less water intensive agricultural commodities; improve water storage through measures such as water banking and groundwater recharge.

EQIP funds can also be used to provide grants to stimulate innovative approaches to leveraging Federal investment in environmental enhancement and protection. Grants are to be awarded on a competitive basis, to government and nongovernmental organizations and persons for innovative projects involving producers. The Federal share of project cost is capped at 50%.

Targets

When Applied Applied from 1996.

Time Duration Contract lengths are 1 to 10 years.


A nation-wide voluntary program. Special provision is made for payments for water conservation activities in the Klamath Basin.

Approval of EQIP assistance is based on the potential environmental benefit which result from the protection. The program is available to all non-federal landowners, including native American tribes. On an annual basis, at least 60% of the EQIP allocation are assigned to livestock-related projects; the remaining 40% of the funding are designated for multi-resource management opportunities.

Costs Under the 2002 Farm Bill , the following funding is provided for EQIP: • $400 million in fiscal year (FY) 2002, • $700 million in FY 2003, • $1.0 billion in FY 2004, • $1.2 billion in each of FY 2005 and 2006, and• $1.3 billion in FY 2007.

Funding is also made available for ground and surface water conservation, in addition to what is available under the regular EQIP program, including cost share for more efficient irrigation systems:

• $25 million in FY 2002; • $45 million in FY 2003; and • $60 million for FY 2004-2007

A further $50 million is to be allocated to water conservation activities in the Klamath Basin.

For EQIP budgetary figures over the period 1986-2001 see budgetary table****.



http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/farmbill/2002/pdf/EQIPFct.pdfEconomic Research Service analysis of the 2002 Farm Bill http://www.ers.usda.gov/Features/FarmBill/Titles/TitleIIConservation.htm


http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/farmbill/2002/pdf/EQIPFct.pdf



Pollution; Other Sustainable Resource Practices Type(s) of Measure: Payments Based On Fixed Assets; Payments Based On Farm Practices

Policy CONSERVATION SECURITY PROGRAM (CSP)

Agency Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Relevant Legislation The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (2002 Farm Bill)

Overall Objective To promote a wide range of management, vegetative, and land-based structural practices that address one or more environmental concerns, such as soil, water, or wildlife habitat.

Delivery Mechanism The CSP provides payments to producers for maintaining or adopting structural and/or land management practices. Payments are for 5-10 years.As with EQIP####, a wide range of practices can be subsidized. But CSP focuses on land-based practices and specifically excludes livestock waste handling facilities.

Producers can participate at one of three tiers; higher tiers require greater conservation effort and offer higher payments. The lowest cost practices that meet conservation standards must be used. Annual payments range from $20,000 for Tier I; 35,000 for Tier II and $45,000 for Tier III.

Targets

When Applied From 2002


A nation-wide voluntary program.

Under the CSP, cropland must have been cropped in 4 of the 6 years prior to 2002. Lands enrolled in the CRP####, WRP####, and Grassland Reserve

Program ####are not eligible; Forestland that is an incidental part of the agricultural operation may be

included; and Animal waste storage or treatment facilities are not eligible.

Costs The Congressional Budget Office estimates that $2 billion will be spent on this program over the next ten years.

ftp://ftp.cbo.gov/34xx/doc3411/MarchOutlays.pdf




ftp://ftp.cbo.gov/34xx/doc3411/MarchOutlays.pdf


Country: United States Environmental Objective(s): Biodiversity Type(s) of Measure: Payments Based On Fixed Assets; Technical Assistance/Extension

Policy WILDLIFE HABITAT INCENTIVES PROGRAM (WHIP)

Agency

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Relevant Legislation Established by the 1996 Farm Act. WHIP is reauthorized in the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Farm Bill).

Overall Objective To encourage the creation of high quality wildlife habitats on private land that support wildlife populations of National, State, Tribal, and local significance.

Delivery Mechanism Technical and financial assistance is provided to landowners and others to develop upland, wetland, riparian, and aquatic habitat areas on their property.

Payments to farmers cover up to 75% of the cost of implementing practices needed for developing habitat for upland and wetland wildlife, threatened and endangered species, fish, and other types of wildlife.

WHIP also provides technical assistance to help farmers to develop plans that include schedules for implementing wildlife habitat development practices.

Assistance is usually 5 to 10 years in duration. There are shorter-term agreements to install practices that are needed to meet wildlife emergencies.

WHIP also provides for agreements of 15 years or longer to develop essential plant and animal habitat, and will cover up to 100% of the cost of implementing practices under these longer term agreements.

Targets

When Applied Applied from 1996, though substantially expanded under the 2002 Farm Bill.


A nation-wide voluntary program.NRCS does not place limits on the number of acres that can be enrolled in the program or the amount of payment made; however, some States may choose to establish such requirements.

Costs The 2002 Farm Bill authorised the following funding for WHIP:• $15 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2002, • $30 million in FY 2003, • $60 million in FY 2004, and • $85 million in each FY 2005-07. The 1996 Farm Act authorised a total of USD 50 million from CRP funds to conduct the program for fiscal years 1996-2002.



Since WHIP began in 1998, nearly 15,000 participants have enrolled more than 2.0 million acres into the program.


Monitoring is carried out state-by-state, the results of which are available at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/whip/factsheets/

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/whip/factsheets/

Sources/Further Information Natural Resource Conservation Service Programshttp://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/whip/

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/whip/


Country: United States Environmental Objective(s):Soil Quality; Water Resources; Reduce Water Pollution; Organics;

Other Sustainable Resource Practices Type(s) of Measure: Payments Based On Fixed Assets; Payments Based On Farming

Practices

Policy AGRICULTURAL MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE (AMA)

Agency

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has leadership for the conservation provisions of AMA.

Relevant Legislation The Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000

Overall Objective To address issues such as water management, water quality, and erosion control by incorporating conservation into their farming operations.

Delivery Mechanism The AMA is a voluntary program that provides cost-share payments to agricultural producers. Producers may construct or improve water management structures or irrigation structures; plant trees for windbreaks or to improve water quality; and mitigate risk through production diversification or resource conservation practices, including soil erosion control, integrated pest management, or transition to organic farming.Landowners must agree to maintain cost-shared practices for the life of the practice. Contract periods are for 10-15 years.

The NRCS state conservationist, in consultation with the State Technical Committee, determines eligible structural and/or vegetative conservation practices using a locally led process. The Federal cost share is 75 percent of the cost of an eligible practice. Participants are paid based upon certification of completion of the approved practice.

Targets

When Applied The AMA was initiated in 2000 under the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000. Additional Funding for the AMA was provided by the Farm Bill 2002.


AMA is available in 15 states where participation in the Federal Crop Insurance Program is historically low. The 15 states designated by the Secretary for 2001 include Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

Funds are distributed to the applicable states using an allocation formula which is based on 29 environmental factors which characterize the resources of the state.

Costs AMA is budgeted at $10 million per year starting in fiscal year 2001.



http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/ama/amainfo.htmlhttp://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/ama/amafacts.html

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/ama/amafacts.html

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/ama/amainfo.html


Country: United States Environmental Objective(s): Soil Quality, Type(s) of Measure: Payments Based On Land Retirement

Policy FARM AND RANCH LAND PROTECTION PROGRAM (FRPP)

Agency

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Relevant Legislation The 1996 Farm Act. FRPP is re-authorized in the Farm Securityand Rural Investment Act of 2002 (2002 Farm Bill).

Overall Objective Protecting top soil by limiting non-agricultural uses of land.

Delivery Mechanism Conservation easements are purchased from landowners. In return, participating landowners agree not to convert their land to non-agricultural uses and to develop and implement a conservation plan for any highly erodible land. Although a minimum of 30 years is required for conservation easements, priority is given to applications with perpetual easements.All highly erodible lands enrolled must have a conservation plan developed based on official standards and approved by the local conservation district. Landowners retain all rights to use the property for agriculture.The FRPP share of the easement cost must not exceed 50% of the appraised fair market value of the conservation easement of other interest in the land. A State, Tribal, or local government or non-governmental organization may supplement its share of the easement cost through a landowner’s donation, not to exceed 25% of the appraised fair market value.

TargetsWhen Applied From 1996



To qualify for FRPP, the land offered must be part or all of a farm or ranch, and must meet a number of other specific criteria, including being on a sufficient scale to sustain agricultural production.

Costs The 2002 Farm Bill authorised the following funding for the FRPP:

• $50 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2002, • $100 million in FY 2003, • $125 million in FY 2004 and FY 2005, • $100 million in FY 2006, and • $97 million in FY 2007.

For budgetary figures over the period 1986-2001 see budgetary table ****Participation/Results

Up to 2002, more than 103,000 hectares have been protected in 35 states.


http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/frpp/ Economic Research Service analysis of the 2002 Farm Bill http://www.ers.usda.gov/Features/FarmBill/Titles/TitleIIConservation.htm


http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/frpp/


Country: United States Environmental Objective(s):Soil Quality; Biodiversity; Reduce Water Pollution Type(s) of Measure: Payments Based On Land Retirement

Policy GRASS LAND RESERVE PROGRAM (GRP)

Agency

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Relevant Legislation The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (2002 Farm Bill)(16 U.S.C. 3838 n through 3838 q)

Overall Objective To assist land owners in restoring and protecting grassland and certain other lands.

Delivery Mechanism Eligible lands can be enrolled in long-term contracts or easements.

Eligible grassland can be enrolled under contracts of 10, 15, 20, or 30 years or under 30-year or permanent easements (or the maximum allowed by State law). Not more than 60 percent of funds can be used for 30-year contracts or 30-year and permanent easements. Not more than 40 percent are available for 10-, 15-, and 20-year contracts.

For contracts, annual rental payments equal 75% of grazing value. Permanent easements are to be purchased at fair market value, less grazing value, while 30-year easements are to be purchased at 30% of fair market value less grazing value. Cost sharing is up to 75% of restoration costs on restored grassland, up to 90% on virgin grassland.

Targets

When Applied 2003 through 2007

Coverage/Eligibility A nation-wide voluntary program. The program authorises enrolment of up to 0.8 million restored hectares.

Costs Funding is provided under the 2002 Farm Bill for 2003-07 of up to $254 million.


In FY2003 USDA enrolled approximately 240,000 acres in the program


NRCS will conduct status reviews on contract acreage and monitor easement acres on a periodic basis to ensure compliance and program success.

Source/Further Information Natural Resource Conservation Service Programs http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/GRP/ Economic Research Service analysis of the 2002 Farm Billhttp://www.ers.usda.gov/Features/FarmBill/Titles/TitleIIConservation.htm


http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/GRP/



Pollution; Addressing Adverse Events; Type(s) of Measure: Community-Based Measures-

Policy THE SMALL WATERSHED PROGRAM AND FLOOD PREVENTION PROGRAM

Agency

National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) of the US Department of Agriculture

Relevant Legislation The Watershed and Flood Prevention Act 1954 – continued under the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (2002 Farm Bill)

Overall Objective To assist State agencies, local agencies, local government sponsors, tribal governments, and program participants in flood prevention, watershed protection, and water management, including measures to reduce erosion, sedimentation and runoff.

Delivery Mechanism The program provides up to 100% of the construction costs for structural measures with flood prevention purposes and up to 50% of such costs for structural measures with other purposes. The program also provides 75% of the installation cost for non-structural measures. Eligible watersheds must have less than 100 000 hectares.

Resource concerns addressed by the program include watershed protection, flood prevention, erosion and sediment control, water supply, water quality, opportunities for water conservation, wetland and water storage capacity, agricultural drought problems, rural development, municipal and industrial water needs, upstream flood damages, water needs for fish, wildlife, and forest-based industries, fish and wildlife habitat enhancement, wetlands creation and restoration, and public recreation in watersheds.

Targets

When Applied Applied from 1954, enhanced under the 2002 Farm Bill


A nation-wide voluntary program. Project sponsors are provided assistance in installing planned land treatment measures when plans are approved. Surveys and investigations are made and detailed designs, specifications, and engineering cost estimates are prepared for construction of structural measures. Areas where sponsors need to obtain land rights, easements, and rights-of-way are delineated.

Costs The 2002 Farm Bill provides funding via the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) of :

• $45 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2003, • $50 million in FY 2004, • $55 million in FY 2005, • $60 million in FY 2006, and• $65 million in FY 2007.

In addition, the following amounts, to remain available until expended, are authorized to be appropriated:

• $45 million in FY 2003, • $55 million in FY 2004, • $65 million in FY 2005, • $75 million in FY 2006, and• $85 million in FY 2007.



There are presently over 1600 projects in operation.


http://www.ers.usda.gov/Features/FarmBill/Titles/TitleIIConservation.htmNatural Resource Conservation Service Programs Http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/watershed/

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/watershed/




Pollution; Landscape Type(s) of Measure: Community-Based Measures

Policy THE RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (RC&D)

Agency


Relevant Legislation The Food and Agriculture Act of 1962; re-authorized under the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform (FAIR) Act of 1996

Overall Objective To encourage and improve the capability of designated RC&D areas to plan, develop and carry out projects for resource conservation and development

Resource Conservation and Development projects relate to: Land Conservation Water Management Economic Development Community Sustainability

Delivery Mechanism RC&D provides technical and financial assistance to multi-county areas for planning and installation of approved projects for enhancing conservation, water quality, wildlife habitat, recreation, and rural development.

Targets


Coverage/Eligibility A nation-wide voluntary program.

RC&D projects and activities are determined by the area’s problems and needs.Costs For budgetary figures over the period 1986-2001 see budgetary table ****


More than 20,000 volunteers are serving on and with RC&D councils. On average, RC&D volunteers donate 78,000 days per year. In 2002, there were 368 areas with each dollar of Federal funding supplemented by USD 5 of State and local funds.

How Programme is Monitored/EvaluatedSources/Further information Natural Resource Conservation Service Programs

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/rcd/factsheet.html

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/rcd/factsheet.html

Matrix Classification Country: United States Environmental Objective(s): Biodiversity; Reduce Water Pollution; Addressing Adverse

Events Type(s) of Measure: Payments Based On Land Retirement

Policy EMERGENCY WETLAND RESERVE PROGRAM (EWRP)

Agency

The Farm Service Agency, with technical assistance provided by National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) of the US Department of Agriculture.

Relevant Legislation

Overall Objective To help landowners in a voluntary basis to convert flood-damaged cropland to wetlands.

Delivery Mechanism Landowners of flood-damaged cropland can get permanent easements if the cost of levee restoration and cropland renovation exceeded the value of the land.

Targets

When Applied The EWRP was created as a result of the 1993 floods along the upper Mississippi River, with funds from the Emergency Watershed Protection Program####.

Time Duration


Costs Funds are made available from the Emergency Watershed Protection Program#### in emergency supplementary appropriations.


In 1993 and 1995 and 1996, 36,208 hectares were restored, half of them in Iowa.

How Programme is Monitored/EvaluatedSource/Further Information Wetlands Campaign – National Audubon Society

http://www.audubon.org/campaign/wetland/funding.html



Country: United States Environmental Objective(s): Soil Quality; Reduce Water Pollution; Biodiversity; Sinks Type(s) of Measure: Payments Based On Fixed Assets; Technical Assistance/Extension

Policy FORESTRY INCENTIVES PROGRAM (FIP)

Agency

USDA Forest Service and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) jointly administer the program

Relevant Legislation The 1996 Farm Bill extended the FIP, which was originally authorized in 1978

Overall Objective Forest maintenance and reforestation – to provide natural resource benefits, including reduced wind and soil erosion and enhanced water quality and wildlife habitat as well as helping to assure a reliable future supply of timber. Improving timber stands is also intended to help to sequester greenhouse gases.

Delivery Mechanism Available practices under FIP are: Tree planting; Improving a stand of forest trees; and Site preparation for natural regeneration.

FIP provides cost sharing up to 65% for the above practices for private forest lands of no more than 400 hectares on non-industrial private forest lands, and with a maximum payment of US$ 10 000 per owner. FIP also funds technical assistance and extension activities.

The State forester provides technical advice in developing a forest management plan and helps find approved vendors, if needed, for completing the FIP work. In addition, the State forestry agency must certify that the project has been completed satisfactorily before cost-share payments can be made.

Targets

When Applied Authorized in 1978.


FIP is a nationwide program available in counties designated on the basis of a Forest Service survey of total eligible private timber acreage that is potentially suitable for production of timber products.


Participation/Results How Programme is Monitored/EvaluatedSource/Further Information Natural Resource Conservation Service Programs

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/fip/FIPfact.html

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/fip/FIPfact.html


Country: United States Environmental Objective(s): Soil Quality; Water Resources; Addressing Adverse Events Type(s) of Measure: Payments Based On Fixed Assets; Payments Based On Farming

Practices; Technical Assistance/Extension

Policy EMERGENCY CONSERVATION PROGRAM (ECP)

Agency

State and county committees of the Farm Service Agency (FSA) of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). Technical assistance is provided by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) of the USDA.


Overall Objective The Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) provides emergency funding for farmers and ranchers to rehabilitate farmland damaged by wind erosion, floods, hurricanes, or other natural disasters, and for carrying out emergency water conservation measures during periods of severe drought.

Delivery Mechanism ECP provides technical assistance and shares with agricultural producers the cost of rehabilitating eligible farmlands damaged by natural disaster. During severe drought, ECP also provides emergency water assistance — both for livestock and for existing irrigation systems for orchards and vineyards. There is a payment limit of USD 200 000 per farmer and disaster.

Targets

When Applied Initiated in 1978.



Eligibility for ECP assistance is determined by county FSA committees, based on individual on-site inspections, taking into account the type and extent of the damage.


Participation/Results How Programme is Monitored/EvaluatedSource/Further Information Farm Service Agency fact sheets on line

http://www.fsa.usda.gov/pas/disaster/ecp.htmhttp://www.fsa.usda.gov/pas/publications/facts/html/ecp00.htm

http://www.fsa.usda.gov/pas/publications/facts/html/ecp00.htm

http://www.fsa.usda.gov/pas/disaster/ecp.htm


Country: United States Environmental Objective(s):Soil Quality; Water Resources; Biodiversity; Reduce Water

Pollution Type(s) of Measure: Payments Based On Farming Practices

Policy CONSERVATION FARM OPTION (CFO)

Agency

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Relevant Legislation The 1996 Farm Act.

Overall Objective Enhancing conservation relating to soil, water and related resources, wetlands, and wildlife habitat.

Delivery Mechanism Under the pilot programs, producers can receive one consolidated annual conservation payment in lieu of separate payments from CRP, WRP, and EQIP####. On a voluntary basis, the producer must implement a 10 to 15 year conservation farm plan that addresses soil, water, and related resources, wetlands, and/or wildlife habitat.

Targets

When Applied Established by the 1996 Farm Act.Terminated in 2002.


The CFO pilot programs are limited to producers of wheat, feed grains, cotton and rice with area under contract in the Agricultural Market Transition Program.

Costs The 1996 Farm Act authorised funding increasing from USD 7.5 million for Fiscal Year (FY) 1997 to USD 62.5 million for FY2002, with a total of USD 197.5 million for FY 1997-2002.

Participation/Results How Programme is Monitored/EvaluatedSource/Further Information USDA, Agricultural Resources and Environmental Indicators, 1996-97. ERS.

Agricultural Handbook Number 712, July 1997. USDA, Agri-Environmental Policy at the Crossroads: Guideposts on a Changing Landscape. ERS, Agricultural Economic Report Number 794, 2001.


Country: United States Environmental Objective(s): Generic/Broad Spectrum Type(s) of Measure: Payments Based On Farming Practices

Policy STEWARDSHIP INCENTIVE PROGRAM (SIP)

Agency

US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service

Relevant LegislationOverall Objective To encourage non-industrial private forest landowners to keep their lands and

natural resources productive and healthy.

Delivery Mechanism SIP provides payments to farmers covering up to 75% of the costs of practices in the approved forest stewardship plans; and provides technical assistance to help to establish such plans. Payments may not exceed USD 10 000 annually per landowner. Practices must be maintained for at least 10 years.

Targets

When Applied Enacted in 1990.

Time Duration



Qualifying land includes rural lands with existing tree cover or land suitable for growing trees and which is owned by a private individual, group, association, corporation, Indian tribe, or other legal private entity. Eligible landowners must have an approved Forest Stewardship Plan and own 1,000 or fewer acres of qualifying land. Authorizations may be obtained for exceptions of up to 5,000 acres.



http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/sip/

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/sip/


Country: United States Environmental Objective(s): Addressing Adverse Events; Soil Quality Type(s) of Measure: Payments Based On Fixed Assets; Payments Based On Land Retirement;


Policy EMERGENCY WATERSHED PROTECTION PROGRAM

Agency


Relevant Legislation The Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 amended the EWP to provide for the purchase of floodplain easements as an emergency measure.

Overall Objective To undertake emergency measures to safeguard lives and property from floods, drought, and the products of erosion on any watershed damaged by fire, flood or any other natural occurrence.

Delivery Mechanism Activities include providing financial and technical assistance to remove debris from streams, protect destabilized streambanks, establish cover on critically eroding lands, repairing conservation practices, and the purchase of flood plain easements. The measures that are taken must be environmentally and economically sound and generally benefit more than one property owner.

Targets

When Applied Initiated in 1950.



Owners, managers, and users of public, private, or tribal lands are eligible for EWP assistance if their watershed area has been damaged by a natural disaster. It is not necessary for a national emergency to be declared for an area to be eligible for assistance.

Each EWP project, with the exception of floodplain easements, requires a sponsor who applies for the assistance. A sponsor can be any legal subdivision of State or local government, including local officials of city, county, or State governments, Indian tribes, soil conservation districts, U.S. Forest Service, and watershed authorities.



Http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/ewp/factsheet.html

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/ewp/factsheet.html


Country: United States Environmental Objective(s): Soil Quality; Reduce Water Pollution Type(s) of Measure: Payments Based On Fixed Assets; Technical Assistance/Extension

Policy RURAL ABANDONED MINE PROGRAM (RAMP)

Agency

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) administers the program.

Relevant Legislation The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) of 1977, amended by the "Abandoned Mine Reclamation Act of 1991.

Overall Objective Reclaiming the soil and water resources of rural lands adversely affected by past coal mining practices.

Delivery Mechanism The program provides technical and financial assistance to land users who voluntarily enter into 5- to 10-year contracts for reclamation of up to 320 acres of eligible abandoned coal-mined lands and waters. The land user with NRCS technical assistance involved prepares a reclamation plan.

All active coal mining operators pay into the Abandoned Mine Reclamation fund at a rate of 35 cents per ton of coal produced from surface mining and 15 cents per ton of coal produced by underground mining. The fees are deposited in the interest-bearing fund, which is used to pay reclamation costs. Expenditures from the fund are authorized through the regular congressional budgetary and appropriation's process.

Targets



A voluntary program targeted at individuals or groups of landowners who voluntarily enter into contracts for reclamation of up to 130 hectares of eligible abandoned coal-mined lands and waters – it was estimated in 1977 that there were approximately 0.45 million hectares of abandoned coal-mined land needing reclamation.

Costs Funding is provided from money deposited in the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund.



A Government Accounting Office audit of the efficiency of RAMP was carried out in 1991.

Source/Further Information Natural Resource Conservation Service Programs Http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/ramp/

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/ramp/

Matrix Classification:

Country: United States Environmental Objective(s):Soil Quality; Water Resources; Biodiversity; Water Pollution;

Other Sustainable Resource Practices Type(s) of Measure: Payments Based On Farming Practices; Technical Assistance/Extension

Policy SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION ASSISTANCE (SWCA)

Agency


Relevant Legislation The Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000

Overall Objective To help landowners comply with Federal and state environmental laws and make beneficial, cost-effective changes to cropping systems, grazing management, nutrient management, and irrigation.

Delivery Mechanism Soil and Water Conservation Assistance (SWCA) provides cost share and incentive payments to farmers and ranchers to voluntarily address threats to soil, water, and related natural resources, including grazing land, wetlands, and wildlife habitat.

SWCA also helps landowners to comply with Federal and state environmental laws and make beneficial, cost-effective changes to cropping systems, grazing management, nutrient management, and irrigation.

Targets



SWCA is a voluntary program available nation-wide, but only in areas that are not part of EQIP#### WRP#### or CRP#### priority areas. A conservation plan is required for the area covered in the application and becomes the basis for developing the SWCA contract. NRCS will work with the landowner to develop a conservation plan. Landowners must agree to maintain cost-shared practices for the life of the practice. Contracts are for five to ten years.

Costs SWCA is budgeted at $20 million for fiscal year 2001. The maximum total payment per participant for SWCA shall not exceed $50,000.

Participation/ Results How Programme is Monitored/EvaluatedSource/Further Information Natural Resource Conservation Service Programs

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/swca/swcafact.html

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/swca/swcafact.html


Country: United States Environmental Objective(s): Soil Quality; Biodiversity; Reduce Water Pollution Type(s) of Measure: Community-Based Measures

Policy GREAT LAKES BASIN PROGRAM FOR SOIL EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL

Agency



Overall Objective A new program to address erosion and sediment control in the Great Lakes.

Delivery Mechanism Project demonstration grants, technical assistance, and information/education programs.

Targets

When Applied 2002-2007

Coverage/Eligibility The program covers the Great Lakes.

Costs $5 million annually over 2002-2007



Http://www.ers.usda.gov/Features/FarmBill/Titles/TitleIIConservation.htmNatural Resource Conservation Service Programs http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/farmbill/2002/pdf/ConsProv.pdf

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/farmbill/2002/pdf/ConsProv.pdf



Country: United States Environmental Objective(s): Soil Quality; Reduce Water Pollution Type(s) of Measure: Community-Based Measures

Policy GRASSROOTS SOURCEWATER PROTECTION PROGRAM

Agency



Overall Objective Soil and Sediment control.

Delivery Mechanism Enhanced utilization of the on-site technical assistance capabilities of each state rural water association that operates a well-head or groundwater protection program.

Targets



The program is available nationwide.

Costs Appropriations of $5 million annually for 2002-07.



http://www.ers.usda.gov/Features/FarmBill/Titles/TitleIIConservation.htmNatural Resource Conservation Service Programs http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/farmbill/2002/pdf/ConsProv.pdf




Country: United States Environmental Objective(s): Water Resources Type(s) of Measure: Community-Based Measure

Policy DESERT TERMINAL LAKES

Agency

National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture


Overall Objective To provide water to at-risk natural desert terminal lakes. The funds are not to be used to purchase or lease water rights.

Delivery Mechanism ..not yet available

Targets



The program is to target desert terminal lakes.

Costs $200 million has been allocated under the 2002 Farm Bill.







Country: United States Environmental Objective(s):Generic/Broad Spectrum Type(s) of Measure: Community-Based Measures

Policy CONSERVATION CORRIDOR PROGRAM

Agency

National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).


Overall Objective To establish a conservation corridor demonstration program on the Delmarva Peninsula. The project is to demonstrate local conservation and economic cooperation using existing USDA conservation programs. State and local partners must provide 50 percent of funding.

Delivery Mechanism …not yet available

Targets

When Applied

Coverage/Eligibility The Delmarva Peninsula in the states of Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia located on the east side of the Chesapeake Bay.

Costs


How Programme is Monitored/EvaluatedSource/Further information Economic Research Service analysis of the 2002 Farm Bill





Country: United States Environmental Objective(s): Renewable Energy Type(s) of Measure: Community-Based Measures

Policy BIOREFINERY GRANTS

Agency


Overall Objective To promote the conversion of biomass into multiple products such as fuels, chemicals, and electricity.

Delivery Mechanism Establishes a competitive grant program to support development of biorefineries to convert biomass into multiple products such as fuels, chemicals, and electricity.

Targets



Costs For 2002-07, appropriations are to be authorized as necessary to implement this provision.



http://www.ers.usda.gov/Features/FarmBill/Titles/TitleIXEnergy.htm



Country: United States Environmental Objective(s):Renewable Energy Type(s) of Measure: Technical Assistance/Extension

Policy ENERGY AUDIT AND RENEWABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Agency


Overall Objective To offer farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses energy audits and renewable energy development assessments.

Delivery Mechanism A competitive grant program will be offered to entities wishing to provide the audits and assessments.

Targets



Costs For 2002-07, appropriations are to be authorized as necessary to implement this provision.



Source/Further Information Economic Research Service analysis of the 2002 Farm Bill Http://www.ers.usda.gov/Features/FarmBill/Titles/TitleIXEnergy.htm



Country: United States Environmental Objective(s): Renewable Energy Type(s) of Measure: Payments Based On Fixed Assets; Payments Based On Farming

Practices

Policy RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENTS

Agency


Overall Objective To assist eligible farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses in purchasing renewable energy systems and making energy efficiency improvements.

Delivery Mechanism Establishes a loan, loan guarantee, and grant program

Targets




Costs Provides CCC funding of $23 million annually for Fiscal Years 2003-07.


How Programme is Monitored/EvaluatedSource/Further information Economic Research Service analysis of the 2002 Farm Bill

Http://www.ers.usda.gov/Features/FarmBill/Titles/TitleIXEnergy.htm



Country: United States Environmental Objective(s): Renewable Energy Type(s) of Measure: Payments Based On Farming Practices

Policy BIOENERGY PROGRAM

Agency

Relevant Legislation Re-authorised under the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (2002 Farm Bill)

Overall Objective To expand production of bioenergy.

Delivery Mechanism The Secretary of Agriculture makes payments to eligible producers to encourage increased purchases of eligible commodities (energy feedstocks). Payments to eligible producers are based on the increase in quantity of bioenergy they produce during a fiscal year over the quantity they produced during the preceding fiscal year.

The 2002 Farm Bill broadened the list of eligible feedstocks to include animal byproducts and fat, oils, and greases (including recycled fats, oils, and greases).

Targets



Costs The Secretary is required to use up to $150 million annually for Fiscal Years 2003-06.






Country: United States Environmental Objective(s): Renewable Energy Type(s) of Measure: Payments Based On Fixed Assets

Policy RENEWABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT LOAN AND GRANT PROGRAM

Agency


Overall Objective To promote renewable energy systems on farms.

Delivery Mechanism Business and industry loans and guarantees will be allowed for more types of renewable energy systems, such as wind energy systems and anaerobic digesters.

Targets




Costs Not available.






Country: United States Environmental Objective(s):Soil Quality Type(s) of Measure: Cross-Compliance

Policy HIGHLY ERODIBLE LAND CONSERVATION PROVISIONS: “SODBUSTER’’

Agency The Farm Service Agency (FSA) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Relevant Legislation Established by the 1985 Farm Act

Overall Objective To reduce soil erosion.

Delivery Mechanism In order to receive assistance under commodity support programs (including, price support, CRP payments, farm storage facility loans, disaster payments, crop insurance, Production Flexibility Contract Payments for 1996-2002), producers who farm highly erodible land (HEL) have to implement a soil conservation plan for the area covered by the support program. This is known as the “sodbuster” provision. Soil conservation systems are also required on previously cropped HEL, though these are less stringent than those required by sodbuster.

Targets



Linked to federal commodity support programs – see above.

Costs Payments are granted under federal commodity support programs.



http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/helc/

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/helc/


Country: United States Environmental Objective(s): Reduce Water Pollution; Biodiversity Type(s) of Measure: Cross-Compliance

Policy WETLAND CONSERVATION PROVISIONS: “SWAMPBUSTER”

Agency The Farm Service Agency (FSA) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Relevant Legislation Established by the 1985 Farm Act, amended by the 1996 Farm Bill.

Overall Objective To promote the conservation of wetlands.

Delivery Mechanism These provisions, known as “swampbuster”, deny farm program payments (including, price support, CRP payments, farm storage facility loans, disaster payments, crop insurance, Production Flexibility Contract Payments for 1996-2002), to farmers who convert wetlands for agricultural production.

Targets



Linked to federal commodity support programs – see above.

Costs Payments are granted under federal commodity support programs.

Participation/Results The swampbuster provisions are estimated to have discouraged conversion of 0.6- 1.34 million wetland hectares to agricultural uses.


http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/wetlands/

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/wetlands/


Country: United States Environmental Objective(s):Biodiversity Type(s) of Measure: Community-Based Measures

Policy NORTH AMERICAN WETLANDS CONSERVATION ACT GRANTS PROGRAM

Agency

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Relevant Legislation North American Wetlands Conservation Act

Overall Objective To provide matching grants to private or public organizations or to individuals who have developed partnerships to carry out wetlands conservation projects. The Act was passed, in part, to support activities under the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, an international agreement that provides a strategy for the long-term protection of wetlands and associated uplands needed by waterfowl and other migratory birds in North America.

Delivery Mechanism Grants are made to private and public organizations and individuals for local wetland habitat conservation and restoration projects.

Targets



Nation-wide in the United States – also applied in Canada and Mexico.

Costs The Act authorizes up to $50 million in congressional appropriation through Fiscal Year 2003. Congress appropriated $43.5 million for Act projects in Fiscal Year 2002. Additional funding comes from moneys received by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from fines, penalties, and forfeitures, and also revenue received by the U.S. government from federal fuel excise taxes – the total estimated funding for FY 2002 is $79.7 million.

Participation/Results Overall, 700 partners from public and private organizations, including environmental groups, corporations, farmers and ranchers, small businesses, and private citizens have implemented projects that focus on acquisition, restoration and enhancement activities.

How Programme is Monitored/EvaluatedSource/Further Information Wetlands Campaign – National Audubon Society




Country: United States Environmental Objective(s): Reduce Water Pollution; Biodiversity Type(s) of Measure: Regulatory Requirements; Community-Based Measures;

Research/Education

Policy CLEAN WATER ACT (CWA)

Agency

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Relevant Legislation See title.

Overall Objective The CWA is the primary Federal law to address both point and non-point sources of water pollution.

Delivery Mechanism The CWA regulates point sources of pollution, primarily industrial discharges, municipal sewage treatment plants, and stormwater discharges. The CWA defines concentrated animal feeding operations as point sources. Voluntary programs address nonpoint sources, primarily runoff from agricultural activities, forestry, and urban areas.The CWA features sections especially relevant to agriculture:

Clean Lakes Program, reauthorized by Section 314 of the CWA, authorizes EPA grants to States for lake classification surveys, diagnostic/ feasibility studies, and for projects to restore and protect lakes.

Non-point Source Program Under section 319 of the CWA, State, Territories, and Indian Tribes receive grant money which support a wide variety of activities including technical assistance, financial assistance, education, training, technology transfer, demonstration projects, andmonitoring to assess the success of specific non-point source implementation projects.

Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) Under section 303(d) of the CWA, States, Territories, and authorized Tribes are required to develop lists of impaired waters. These impaired waters do not meet water quality standards, even after point sources of pollution have installed the required levels of pollution control technology. The law requires that these jurisdictions establish priority rankings for waters on the lists and develop TMDLs for these waters. A TMDL specifies the maximum amount of a pollutant that a water body can receive and still meet water quality standards, and allocates pollutant loadings among point and non-point pollutant sources.

National Estuary Program, established by Section 320 of the CWA, provides for the identification of nationally significant estuaries that are threatened by pollution; for preparation of conservation and management plans; and for Federal grants to State, interstate, and regional water pollution control agencies to implement the plans.

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit Program, established by Section 402 of the CWA, requires point sources of pollution to obtain a permit to discharge to waters of the U.S. Point sources include sewage treatment plants, industrial facilities, storm water discharges, and concentrated animal feeding operations.

Wetlands Mitigation, Under Section 404 of the CWA, any development activity that adversely affects wetlands must be authorized in advance through a permit system. If adverse impacts from projects are considered unavoidable, developers must offer compensation in order to receive a permit. An important compensation tool is “mitigation banking” – whereby developers can purchase credits in larger, centralized wetland mitigation projects in order to compensate for the effects of their own projects on wetlands.

Targets

When Applied Enacted in 1972Non-point source program added in 1987


Costs


How Programme is Monitored/EvaluatedSource/Further Information US Environment Protection Agency – Laws and Regulations

http://www.epa.gov/epahome/laws.htm

http://www.epa.gov/epahome/laws.htm


Country: United States Environmental Objective(s): Reduce Water Pollution; Biodiversity Type(s) of Measure: Regulatory Requirements; Tradeable Rights/Quotas

Policy WETLANDS MITIGATION

Agency

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Relevant Legislation Clean Water Act (CWA)####: Section 404

Overall Objective To mitigate the effects of development on wetlands.

Delivery Mechanism Under Section 404 of the CWA, any development activity that adversely affects wetlands must be authorized in advance by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers through a permit system. Developers (including farmers) who seek permits must take steps to first avoid and then minimize any adverse impacts. If adverse impacts from projects are considered unavoidable, developers must offer compensation in order to receive a permit.

Options for compensation include on-site creation, restoration or enhancement of wetlands. Another important compensation tool is “mitigation banking” – whereby developers can purchase credits in larger, centralized wetland mitigation projects in order to compensate for the effects of their own projects on wetlands.

Targets

When Applied Federal guidelines for the establishment of mitigation Banks were finalised in 1995.

Coverage/Eligibility Nation-wide.

Costs

Participation/Results Permits for agricultural activities made up approximately 7 per cent of total permits considered in Fiscal Year 1994. During Fiscal Year 1998, applicants were required to establish or re-establish 18,762 hectares as compensatory mitigation to offset wetlands losses of 12,582 hectares.

By March 1998, 160 operating mitigation banks were identified, with 80 established for the sale of credits. The latest survey identified 130 more banks in various stages of development. Currently the majority of mitigation banks are owned and operated by government entities.

How Programme is Monitored/EvaluatedSource/Further Information


Country: United States Environmental Objective(s): Generic/Broad Spectrum Type(s) of Measure: Regulatory Requirements

Policy FARMLAND PROTECTION POLICY ACT (FPPA)

Agency



Overall Objective The FPPA is intended to minimize the impact Federal programs have on unnecessary and irreversible conversion of farmland to non-agricultural uses.

Delivery Mechanism Projects are subject to FPPA requirements if they may irreversibly convert farmland (directly or indirectly) to non-agricultural use and are completed by a Federal agency or with assistance from a Federal agency. Activities that may be subject to FPPA include transport, electricity and telecommunications projects.

Targets

When Applied The FPPA was introduced in 1981, though the final rules and regulations were published in the Federal Register on June 17, 1994.

Coverage/Eligibility Nation-wide with compulsory provisions. For the purpose of FPPA, farmland includes prime farmland, unique farmland, and land of state-wide or local importance. Farmland subject to FPPA requirements does not have to be currently used for cropland. It can be forest land, pastureland, cropland, or other land, but not water or urban built-up land.

Costs


How Programme is Monitored/EvaluatedSource/Further information Natural Resource Conservation Service Programs

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/fppa/index.html

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/fppa/index.html


Country: United States Environmental Objective(s): Biodiversity; Soil Quality; Reduce Water Pollution; Reduce Air

Pollution Type(s) of Measure: Regulatory Requirements

Policy FEDERAL INSECTICIDE, FUNGICIDE, AND RODENTICIDE ACT (FIFRA)

Agency Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)


Overall Objective To protect public health and the environment from unreasonable adverse effects from use of pesticides.

Delivery Mechanism FIFRA provides a comprehensive set of regulatory authorities and tools governing pesticide use in the U.S., and also authorizes international cooperation to improve pesticide regulation and research. All pesticides are subject to rigorous toxicological, residue, and environmental fate and effect testing requirements and must be approved (registered) by EPA before they can be legally used. EPA must approve the specific pesticide label and may impose a variety conditions to ensure proper use, including: restricting the availability of the pesticide to trained and certified applicators; prescribing pre-harvest and re-entry intervals for agricultural workers; requiring personal protective equipment for applicators; prohibiting use near waterways; prescribing packaging, storage and disposal requirements; and other measures.

EPA may require additional scientific data to support continued pesticide registration at any time, and failure to submit data in a timely fashion can result in suspension of the registration. Based on new data or information showing unreasonable risks, existing pesticide registrations may be cancelled or suspended.

Also under FIFRA, EPA works with states and tribes to implement field programs to protect agricultural workers, set standards for pesticide applicator certification and training, and protect endangered species and groundwater. Other initiatives include cooperative arrangements with pesticide users to reduce pesticide use and risk (the Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program, or PESP); prioritization of review to encourage development of new, reduced risk pesticides, including biopesticides; work with USDA to ensure the availability of adequate pest control strategies for minor crops; and a variety of educational and outreach activities to promote safer pesticide use and integrated pest management.

In addition, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, EPA sets maximum residue levels for pesticides used on food and feed crops, to ensure that residues in food meet the standard of “a reasonable certainty of no harm” to consumers, including infants and young children and other potentially vulnerable groups.

Targets Pesticide manufacturers and distributors; pesticide users and others who may be exposed to pesticides at work or in the course of daily activities; food consumers; federal, state and tribal agencies and professionals and academics concerned with public health, the environment, and agriculture; the general public. Also, regulation is targeted to prevent adverse effects on non-target species and the environment.

When Applied Regulatory controls may be applied at any time before or after a pesticide is approved for use in the U.S.


Costs

Participation/Results There has been continuous improvement in pesticide safety since FIFRA was first enacted in 1947. Older, riskier pesticides have been banned or severely restricted, and new, reduced risk means of pest control have been made available. PESP program partners have significantly reduced their use of pesticides in accordance with their agreements with EPA. EPA has pioneered and applied new risk assessment techniques, including probabilistic methods and methodologies for assessing aggregate and cumulative exposure. Millions of pesticide applicators have been trained. All pesticides first registered before 1988 are undergoing re-registration review, which has resulted in cancellations and risk mitigation measures. In addition, by 2006, EPA will have completed a comprehensive review (begun in 1996) of over 9600 food use pesticide tolerances, to ensure they meet current scientific and safety standards.


EPA employs a number of internal management tools and review mechanisms to monitor progress and evaluate success, including peer review of science policies and decisions and targeted public reviews of specific programs, such as implementation of the Agricultural Worker Protection Standard. In addition, public advisory committees and Executive Branch agencies and Congressional committees provide continuous oversight.

Source/Further Information US Environment Protection Agency – Pesticideswww.epa.gov/pesticides

http://www.epa.gov/pesticides


Country: United States Environmental Objective(s):Reduce Water Pollution Type(s) of Measure: Regulatory Requirements

Policy SAFE DRINKING WATER ACT 1974 (SDWA)

Agency

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)


Overall Objective To set standards for drinking-water quality and requirements for water treatment by public water systems.

Delivery Mechanism Under the SDWA, the EPA establishes safe standards of purity and required all owners or operators of public water systems to comply with primary (health-related) standards. It also establishes a list of contaminants forRegulation. State governments, which assume this power from EPA, also encourage attainment of secondary standards (nuisance-related).

The SDWA also authorized the Source Water Protection Program in 1996 to protect and benefit public drinking water systems.

Targets

When Applied 1974


Nation-wide with compulsory provisions.

Costs

Participation/Results How Programme is Monitored/EvaluatedSource/Further Information US Environment Protection Agency – Safe Drinking Water Act

http://www.epa.gov/region5/defs/html/sdwa.htm

http://www.epa.gov/region5/defs/html/sdwa.htm


Country: United States Environmental Objective(s):Reduce Water Pollution Type(s) of Measure: Regulatory Requirements

Policy SOURCE WATER PROTECTION PROGRAM

Agency


Relevant Legislation 1996 Amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)

Overall Objective To protect and benefit public drinking water systems.

Delivery Mechanism States are required to develop a source water assessment for each public water system that includes a delineation of the source water area, an inventory of all potential significant sources of drinking water contamination, and a determination of the water supply’s susceptibility to contamination from the identified sources The results then must be distributed to the public.

States should then implement management measures to prevent, reduce, or eliminate threats to the drinking water supplies. States should also develop contingency planning strategies to deal with contamination or service interruption.

Targets

When Applied State assessments are due November 2003.


A nation-wide program with compulsory provisions.

Costs

Participation/Results How Programme is Monitored/EvaluatedSource/Further Information US Environment Protection Agency – Source Water Protection

http://www.epa.gov/safewater/protect.html

http://www.epa.gov/safewater/protect.html


Country: United States Environmental Objective(s):Reduce Air Pollution; Reduce Emissions Type(s) of Measure: Regulatory Requirements

Policy CLEAN AIR ACT (CAA)

Agency



Overall Objective To regulates air emissions from area, stationary, and mobile sources.

Delivery Mechanism The legislation requires the EPA to identify air pollutants that are harmful to human health and welfare and promulgate National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) that protect human health with “an adequate margin of safety” – the primary standard. Secondary standards are also set for pollutants’ impact on crops, property etc, subject to a cost-benefit test.

The setting of maximum pollutant standards was coupled with directing the states to develop state implementation plans (SIP's) applicable to appropriate industrial sources in the state.

Targets The EPA establishes air quality standards in the form of limits on concentrations of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, lead, particulate matter, ozone, and carbon monoxide (CO) in the light of its own view about what is feasible and desirable.

When Applied The CAA was passed in 1970.

Coverage/Eligibility Nation-wide with compulsory provisions.

Costs


How Programme is Monitored/EvaluatedSource/Further Information US Environment Protection Agency – Clean Air Act

http://www.epa.gov/region5/defs/html/caa.htm

http://www.epa.gov/region5/defs/html/caa.htm


Country: United States Environmental Objective(s): Biodiversity Type(s) of Measure: Regulatory Requirements

Policy ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT (ESA)

Agency

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Department of the Interior.


Overall Objective ESA is the primary Federal law to conserve threatened and endangered plants and animals and the habitats in which they are found.

Delivery Mechanism Farmers may not “take” (harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, kill, trap, capture or collect) a member of a species determined to be in danger of extinction. In some cases, habitat destruction might be prohibited under the ESA, or cropping practices or pesticide use may be restricted. The ESA also affects farmers to the extent they require a Federal permit (e.g. filling wetlands) or depend on the use of Federal resources (e.g. irrigation water supplied by the Bureau of Reclamation or public grazing lands), which may be restricted by the ESA requirement that Federal agencies help restore listed species. Federal agencies must ensure that actions they fund, authorize, or carry out are not likely to jeopardize the survival of listed species. This could be applied to a variety of USDA programs, such as USDA being sued to stop commodity support payments where in can be shown that the actions of payment recipients jeopardize listed species.

Targets There is a list of 632 endangered species (326 are plants) and 190 threatened species (78 are plants) under the ESA. Species include birds, insects, fish, reptiles, mammals, crustaceans, flowers, grasses, and trees. Anyone can petition FWS to include a species on this list. The law prohibits any action, administrative or real, that results in a "taking" of a listed species, or adversely affects habitat. Likewise, import, export, interstate, and foreign commerce of listed species are all prohibited.


Coverage/Eligibility Nation-wide with compulsory provisions.

Costs

Participation/Results How Programme is Monitored/EvaluatedSource/Further Information US Environment Protection Agency – Endangered Species Act

http://www.epa.gov/region5/defs/html/esa.htm

http://www.epa.gov/region5/defs/html/esa.htm


Country: United States Environmental Objective(s): Reduce Water Pollution Type(s) of Measure: Regulatory Requirements

Policy STATE WATER QUALITY REGULATIONS

Agency

State agencies.


Overall Objective To protect water quality.

Delivery Mechanism Many States have passed laws or instituted programs that use enforceable mechanisms to protect water quality from pollution from agricultural sources. Some of these laws are in response to Federal laws such as the Clean Water Act ####or Coastal Zone Management Act####. Others are in response to chronic problems such as nitrates or pesticides in ground water, and go beyond the requirements outlined in Federal laws. The most common mechanisms employed by State water quality programs are technology standards. These generally call for farmers to implement a unique conservation plan that contains recommended best management practices. A few States have developed a list of approved management practices, while others are less specific as to what a plan should contain.Municipalities, counties, and other local governments are also using land-use laws that affect agriculture. Land-use controls include zoning, land acquisition, and easements targeted to areas deemed for protecting water resources.

Targets

When Applied

Coverage/Eligibility All states provide education or financial assistance for implementing best management practices. Thirty-one States have taken the additional step of passing laws or instituting programs that use enforceable mechanisms to protect water quality from pollution from agricultural sources. Nutrient management plans are required in 16 States, usually in areas affected by groundwater contamination. Use of chemicals is banned or tightly controlled in 19 States. Practices for controlling soil erosion to address water quality problems are required in 18 States. In Pennsylvania, animal operations with over 5 animal units per hectare of land available for spreading must have a farm level nutrient management plan that demonstrate that waste is being safely collected and disposed.

Enforcement is generally through civilian complaint. If a suitable plan had been adopted and is in force, the producer is not subject to fines or penalties if a citizen files a complaint for damages, and may receive State assistance to alter the plan to address the specific complaint.

Costs




Country: United States Environmental Objective(s):Soil Quality; Water Resources; Biodiversity; Reduce Water

Pollution; Addressing Adverse Events Type(s) of Measure: Community-Based measures

Policy WATERSHED PROTECTION AND FLOOD PREVENTION ACT

Agency


Overall Objective To protect and develop land and water resources.

Delivery Mechanism Technical and financial assistance for project development and implementation.

Targets


Coverage/Eligibility Projects are limited to watersheds less than 250,000 acres size and may include such purposes as flood control, water quality improvement, recreational development, fish and wildlife developments, rural water supply, and erosion control.

Costs


How Programme is Monitored/EvaluatedSource/Further Information Soil Conservation Program

http://www.state.ia.us/government/dnr/organiza/epd/prgrmdsc/nonpt/scon.htm

http://www.state.ia.us/government/dnr/organiza/epd/prgrmdsc/nonpt/scon.htm


Country: United States Environmental Objective(s): Generic/Broad Spectrum Type(s) of Measure: Technical Assistance/Extension

Policy SMALL, LIMITED RESOURCE, AND MINORITY FARMERS INITIATIVE

Agency


Relevant Legislation Agricultural Credit Act of 1987

Overall Objective To ensure that NRCS programs are administered in a way that enables small or limited resource farmers maintain and develop economic viability in farm operations; to ensure NRCS technical assistance programs and activities reach small and limited resource farmers and ranchers; and that technical practices and information are relevant to the needs of these farmers and ranchers.

Delivery Mechanism The focus of this initiative is to improve assistance to small and limited resource farmers and ranchers. A major thrust is to strengthen the NRCS field delivery system. Several actions must occur to make this happen:

Assessment of current situation with respect to service. Training of staff working with historically under-served clients. Support throughout the organization for targeted assistance. Sharing of effective methods. Encouragement for field staff to look for new and innovative strategies

to reach customers. ("Get out of the traditional box") Coordinate efforts with other agencies and programs seeking to reach a

shared customer base. Utilize expertise from the Social Sciences Institute.

Targets

When Applied 1987

Coverage: national/regionalVoluntary/compulsoryEligibility


Costs



http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/SMLFarmer/

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/SMLFarmer/


Country: United States Environmental Objective(s): Reduce Water Pollution; Biodiversity; Landscape Type(s) of Measure: Technical Assistance/Extension

Policy CONSERVATION OF PRIVATE GRAZING LAND INITIATIVE

Agency


Relevant Legislation Established by the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (1996 Farm Act) and extended by the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (2002 Farm Bill).

Overall Objective To preserve water quality, improve wildlife and fish habitat, help with weed and brush problems, enhance recreational opportunities, and improve aesthetics.

Delivery Mechanism Technical and educational assistance to owners and managers of non-Federal grazing land. The 2002 Farm Bill expanded the program purposes to include encouragement of sustainable grazing systems such as year-round, rotational, or managed grazing.

Targets

When Applied

Coverage/Eligibility A nation-wide voluntary program.Non-Federal grazing land - about half of the US area of private land.

Costs The 2002 Farm Bill authorized appropriations of $60 million for each of FY 2002-07.


http://www.ers.usda.gov/Features/FarmBill/Titles/TitleIIConservation.htmNatural Resource Conservation Service Programs http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/glci/

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/glci/



Country: United States Environmental Objective(s): Soil Quality; Water Resources; Water Pollution; Other

Sustainable Resource Practices Type(s) of Measure: Technical Assistance/Extension; Research/Education

Policy COOPERATIVE STATE RESEARCH, EXTENSION, AND EDUCATION SERVICE (CSREES)

Agency

CSREES is an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)


Overall Objective To promote soil conservation and water quality.

Delivery Mechanism CREES administers competitive grants and co-ordinates conservation and water-quality research conducted by State Agricultural Experiment Stations and land-grant universities.

CREES also provides information and recommendations to landowners and farm operators, in co-operation with the State Extension Services and Conservation Districts.

Targets

When Applied



Participation/Results In 1995, about 5% of extension service effort were directed to Water Quality Program (WQP) activities, and 4% to sustainable agriculture.

How Programme is Monitored/EvaluatedSource/Further Information OECD Secretariat.

USDA, Agricultural Resources and Environmental Indicators, 1996-97. ERS. Agricultural Handbook Number 712, July 1997. USDA, Agri-Environmental Policy at the Crossroads: Guideposts on a Changing Landscape. ERS, Agricultural Economic Report Number 794, 2001.


Country: United States Environmental Objective(s): Generic/Broad Spectrum Type(s) of Measure: Research/Education

Policy NATIONAL RESOURCES INVENTORY (NRI)

Agency



Overall Objective To provide a comprehensive database on land use and natural resource conditions and trends on U.S. non-federal lands.

Delivery Mechanism The NRI is a statistically based sample of land use and natural resource conditions and trends on U.S. non-federal lands. It features data gathered and monitored in 1982, 1987, 1992, and 1997 by thousands of technical and natural resource data collection experts.

Data is drawn from over 800,000 sample points across the country, using photo-interpretation and other remote sensing methods and standards. Data gatherers also utilize a variety of ancillary materials; including USDA field office records, information provided by local NRCS field personnel, wetland inventory maps and reports, and tables and technical guides developed by local field office staff.. The NRI also has established linkages to the National Cooperative Soil Survey (NCSS) ####, which permits analysis of resources in relation to the capability of the land and in terms of soil resources and conditions.

The NRI is the Federal Government's principal source of information on the status, condition, and trends of soil, water, and related resources in the United States. Information from the NRI as used in the consideration of public policy issues, and also used for policy monitoring – see, in particular, under the Conservation Reserve Program####.

Targets


Coverage/Eligibility Coverage is nation-wide.

Costs


How Programme is Monitored/EvaluatedSource/Further Information National Resource Conservation Service – National Resources Inventory

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/NRI/http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/land/pubs/97highlights.html

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/land/pubs/97highlights.html

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/NRI/


Country: United States Environmental Objective(s): Soil Quality Type(s) of Measure: Research/Education

Policy NATIONAL COOPERATIVE SOIL SURVEY (NCSS)

Agency

A partnership led by the Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), of Federal land management agencies, state agricultural experiment stations and state and local units of government.


Overall Objective To provide soil survey information necessary for understanding, managing, conserving and sustaining soil resources.

Delivery Mechanism Soil surveys provide an orderly, on-the-ground, scientific inventory of soil resources that includes maps showing the locations and extent of soils, data about the physical and chemical properties of those soils, and information derived from that data about potentialities and problems of use on each kind of soil in sufficient detail to meet all reasonable needs for farmers, agricultural technicians, and other community groups.

Targets

When Applied


Nation-wide.




http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/soilsurvey/

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/soilsurvey/


Country: United States Environmental Objective(s): Renewable Energy; Sinks; Soil Quality; Biodiversity; Reduce

Water Pollution Type(s) of Measure: Research/Education

Policy CONSERVATION PLANT MATERIAL CENTERS

Agency

Conservation Plant Material Centers of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS):U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) - work at the 26 centres is carried out cooperatively with state and Federal agencies, commercial businesses, and seed and nursery associations.


Overall Objective To provide native plants that can help solve natural resource problems. Beneficial uses for which plant material may be developed include biomass production, carbon sequestration, erosion reduction, wetland restoration, water quality improvement, streambank and riparian area protection, coastal dune stabilization, and other special conservation treatment needs.

Delivery Mechanism Scientists at the Plant Material Center investigate plants that show promise for meeting identified conservation needs and test their performance. After species are proven, they are released to the private sector for commercial production.

Targets

When Applied


Costs



http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/plantmaterials/

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/plantmaterials/


Country: United States Environmental Objective(s): Reduce Water Pollution; Other Sustainable Resource Practices Type(s) of Measure: Technical Assistance/Extension

Policy ANIMAL FEEDING OPERATIONS

Agency

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)


Overall Objective To help animal feeding operation owners and operators to achieve their production and natural resource conservation goals.

Delivery Mechanism Comprehensive nutrient management plans (CNMPs) are developed and implemented.

Each CNMP includes the following characteristics: A subset of a conservation plan that is unique to the animal feeding

operation. Combines management activities and practices into an integrated

system. Site specific. Voluntary. Focuses on nutrient and sediment aspects of water quality.

Targets

When Applied


Costs



http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/afo/

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/afo/


Country: United States Environmental Objective(s):Biodiversity; Landscape; Reduce Water Pollution Type(s) of Measure: Technical Assistance/Extension

Policy FOREST STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM (FSP)

Agency

Forest Service: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)


Overall Objective Enhancing the health of forests to provide timber, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, recreational opportunities and other benefits.

Delivery Mechanism The FSP provides grants to State forestry agencies for expanding tree planting and improvement; and for technical assistance to owners of non-industrial private lands in developing and implementing forest stewardship plans to enhance multi-resource needs.

Targets


Coverage/Eligibility Applied at a state level. There is no maximum area restriction.

Participation is available to individuals and non-commercial landowners who agree to maintain the land as the plan shows for at least 10 years.

Costs


How Programme is Monitored/EvaluatedSource/Further Information USDA Forest Service – Stewardship and Landowner Assistance (Stewardship

Programs by State):http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/stewardship/stewstates.htm

http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/stewardship/stewstates.htm


Country: United States Environmental Objective(s): Soil Quality; Water Resources; Reduce Water Pollution Type(s) of Measures: Technical Assistance/Extension

Policy CONSERVATION TECHNICAL ASISTANCE (CTA)

Agency



Overall Objective To provide voluntary conservation technical assistance to land-users, communities, units of state and local government, and other Federal agencies for planning and implementing soil and water conservation and water quality practices.

Delivery Mechanism The conservation technical assistance base program provides technical assistance for implementation of the Cross-Compliance Highly Erodible land (HEL) and Wetland Provisions####, and many other programs authorized by the 1996 Farm Bill. NRCS technical field staff makes HEL and wetland determinations and assist land-users to develop and implement conservation plans needed to ensure compliance with the law.Under the 2002 Farm bill, the Secretary of Agriculture is directed to certify third parties (private companies or state or local governments) to provide technical assistance and planning to producers in USDA conservation programs.

Targets




Farmers adopting practices under USDA conservation programs and other producers who ask for assistance in adopting practices approved by National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) can receive technical assistance.



In 1995, CTA provided assistance to approximately 700 000 producers on about 15 million hectares.


The CTA program supports the National Resources Inventory (NRI). The NRI is a statistically based survey to assess conditions and trends of soil, water, and related resources on non-Federal lands in the United States.

Source/Further Information Natural Resource Conservation Service Programs Http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/cta/index.html

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/cta/index.html


Country: United States Environmental Objective(s): Generic/Broad Spectrum Type(s) of Measure: Community-Based Measures

Policy LAND EVALUATION AND SITE ASSESSMENT

Agency



Overall Objective To promote sound decisions about land use.

Delivery Mechanism The Land Evaluation and Site Assessment (LESA) system helps state and local officials make decisions about land use. Combined with Forest measures and Rangeland parameters, LESA provides a technical framework to numerically rank land parcels based on local resource evaluation and site considerations.

In agricultural land evaluation, soils are rated and placed into groups ranging from the best to the least suited for a specific agricultural use, such as cropland, forestland, or rangeland. Then, a relative value is determined for each group. The land evaluation is based on data from the National Cooperative Soil Survey.

Targets

When Applied


Nation-wide.

Costs



http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/lesa/

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/lesa/


Country: United States Environmental Objective(s): Generic/Broad Spectrum Type(s) of Measure: Inspection/Control

Policy FARM SERVICE AGENCY (FSA)

Agency

See above


Overall Objective Stabilizing farm income, helping farmers conserve land and water resources, providing credit to new or disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, and helping farm operations recover from the effects of disaster

Delivery Mechanism Administration expenses of the FSA for the administration of conservation programs.

Targets

When Applied FSA was set up when the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) was reorganized in 1994.




How Programme is Monitored/EvaluatedSource/Further Information OECD Secretariat.

USDA, Agricultural Resources and Environmental Indicators, 1996-97. ERS. Agricultural Handbook Number 712, July 1997. USDA, Agri-Environmental Policy at the Crossroads: Guideposts on a Changing Landscape. ERS, Agricultural Economic Report Number 794, 2001.Farm Service Agency websiteHttp://www.fsa.usda.gov/pas/aboutus.htm

http://www.fsa.usda.gov/pas/aboutus.htm


Country: United States Environmental Objective(s):Generic/Broad Spectrum Type(s) of Measure: Research/Education; Inspection/Control

Policy NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE (NRCS)

Agency

See above.


Overall Objective To assist owners of private land with conserving their soil, water, and other natural resources.

Delivery Mechanism Administration expenses on all NRCS programs – listed at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/

Research, including soil surveys, snow surveys, and National Resource Inventories.

Targets


Coverage/Eligibility The NRCS partnership with local conservation districts serves almost every U.S. county, and the Caribbean and Pacific Basin. Participation in NRCS programs is voluntary.



How Programme is Monitored/EvaluatedSource/Further Information Natural Resource Conservation Service

Http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/about/history/story.html

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/about/history/story.html

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/



Policy FOREST SERVICE (FS)

Agency

Forest Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).


Overall Objective To sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of U.S. forests and grasslands.

Delivery Mechanism Research on environmental and economic impacts of alternative forest management policies, programs and practices.

Targets





How Programme is Monitored/EvaluatedSource/Further information USDA Forest Service

Http://www.fs.fed.us/aboutus/meetfs.shtml

http://www.fs.fed.us/aboutus/meetfs.shtml



Policy NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL STATISTIC SERVICE (NASS)

Agency

NASS is an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)


Overall Objective To provide timely, accurate, and useful statistics in service to U. S. agriculture.

Delivery Mechanism The NASS collects data on farm chemical use, agricultural practices, and costs and returns.

Targets

When Applied The NASS was created in 1961.


Nation-wide.



How Programme is Monitored/EvaluatedSource/Further Information USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service

Http://www.usda.gov/nass/nassinfo/intro.htm

http://www.usda.gov/nass/nassinfo/intro.htm



Policy ECONOMIC RESEARCH SERVICE (ERS)

Agency

The ERS is an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.


Overall Objective To inform and enhance public and private decision-making on economic and policy issues related to agriculture, food, natural resources, and rural development.

Delivery Mechanism The ERS estimates economic impacts of existing and alternative policies, programs, and technology for preserving and improving soil and water quality.

Targets

When Applied


Nation-wide.



How Programme is Monitored/EvaluatedSource/Further Information USDA Economic Research Service

Http://www.ers.usda.gov/AboutERS/

http://www.ers.usda.gov/AboutERS/


Country: United States Environmental Objective(s): Renewable Energy Type(s) of Measure: Research/Education

Policy BIOMASS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Agency Relevant Legislation The Biomass Research and Development Act of 2000. The 2002 Farm Bill

extends the termination date to September 30, 2006.

Overall Objective To promote research and development leading to the production of bio-based industrial products.

Delivery Mechanism The Secretaries of Agriculture and Energy are directed to cooperate and to coordinate policies and procedures that promote research and development in this area.

Targets



Nation-wide.

Costs The 2002 Farm Bill also provides $5 million of funding for Fiscal Year 2002 and $14 million annually for Fiscal Year 2003-07.







Policy AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE (ARS)

Agency

The ARS is an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture


Overall Objective To reduce agriculture’s adverse impacts on soil and water resources.

Delivery Mechanism Conducts research on new alternative crops and agricultural technology.

Targets

When Applied


Nation-wide.



How Programme is Monitored/EvaluatedSource/Further Information USDA Agricultural Research Service

http://www.ars.usda.gov

http://www.ars.usda.gov/


Country: United States Environmental Objective(s): Soil quality; Water resources; Biodiversity; Reduce water

pollution; Landscape Type(s) of Measure: Community-Based measures

Policy RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT (RC&D)

Agency National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) of the US Department of Agriculture

Relevant Legislation The Food and Agriculture Act of 1962; The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 permanently authorized the RC&D Program.

Overall Objective The purpose of the RC&D program is to encourage and improve the capability of volunteer, locally elected, and civic leaders in designated RC&D areas to plan and carry out projects for resource conservation and community development. Program objectives address improving the quality of life, including social, economic and environmental concerns; continuing prudent use of natural resources; and strengthening the local citizens’ ability to utilize available sources of assistance through USDA and other Federal agency partnerships.

Delivery Mechanism RC&D provides technical and financial assistance to designated RC&D areas governed by an RC&D Council for planning and installation of approved projects relating to land conservation, community development, water management; and land management.

Targets

When Applied From 1962Coverage/Eligibility A nation-wide voluntary program.

RC&D projects and activities are determined by the area’s problems and needs.Costs For budgetary figures over the period 1986-2001 see budgetary table ****

Participation/Results More than 20,000 volunteers are serving on and with RC&D councils. On average, RC&D volunteers donate 78,000 days per year. To date, 375 areas across the Nation have been designated by the Secretary of Agriculture as RC&D areas, serving 85% of U.S. counties and more than 77% of the U.S. population.


Designated RC&D Areas are required to have a strategic plan that is kept current and to be no older than 5 years. Information relating to projects implemented over the fiscal year is reported to NRCS. Area plans and project data is monitored by state and national program management.

Source/Further Information Natural Resource Conservation Service Programs http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/rcd/

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/rcd/


Country: United States Environmental Objective(s): Organic farming Type(s) of Measure: Payments based on farming practices; Labelling Standards/Certification

Policy ORGANIC FOOD STANDARDS

Agency Relevant Legislation

Overall Objective Maintaining the labelling integrity of organic food sold in the U.S.

Delivery Mechanism National standards for the labelling and processing of organic food are set and controlled.The Federal government appropriate 2001 funds for organic certification cost-share payments to producers in 15 states who adopt organic farming systems and obtain organic certification. The 2002 Farm Act's National Organic Certification Cost-Share Program provides funds that will complement this program, making organic growers in all States eligible for certification cost-sharing.

Targets The standards ban inorganic pesticides and fertilisers in the growing of organic food, and antibiotics in meat labelled as organic.

The standards divide organic labelling into four categories: “100% organic”, “organic” (95%), “made with organic ingredients” (70%), and organic ingredients may be listed (below 70%). A “USDA seal” may appear on products in the two first categories and in their advertisements, but not on products in the two others.

When Applied Introduced at the national level by the Federal government at the end of 2000.Coverage/Eligibility

Nation-wide.

Costs

Participation/Results How Programme is Monitored/EvaluatedSource/Further Information OECD Secretariat.

USDA, Agricultural Resources and Environmental Indicators, 1996-97. ERS. Agricultural Handbook Number 712, July 1997. USDA, Agri-Environmental Policy at the Crossroads: Guideposts on a Changing Landscape. ERS, Agricultural Economic Report Number 794, 2001.


Country: United States Environmental Objective(s):Reduce Water Pollution Type(s) of Measure: Research/Education; Community-Based Measures

Policy THE CLEAN LAKES PROGRAM

Agency


Relevant Legislation Section 314 of the Clean Water Act####

Overall Objective To restore and protect publicly owned lakes.

Delivery Mechanism The program authorizes EPA grants to States for lake classification surveys, diagnostic/feasibility studies, and other projects. The Clean Lakes Program regulations, promulgated in 1980, redirected program activities to diagnose the current condition of individual lakes and their watersheds, determine the extent and sources of pollution, develop feasible lake restoration and protection plans, and implement the plans.

Targets

When Applied The Clean Lakes Program regulations were promulgated in 1980.


Targeted at lake areas.

Costs The program funded a total of about $145 million in grants between 1976 and 1995 (U.S. EPA, 1998b).


There have been no appropriations for the program since 1995. Instead, EPA has encouraged States to use Non-Point Source Program #### funds for such activities.

How Programme is Monitored/EvaluatedSource/Further information US Environment Protection Agency – Clean Lakes Program

http://www.epa.gov/owow/lakes/cllkspgm.html

http://www.epa.gov/owow/lakes/cllkspgm.html


Country: United States Environmental Objective(s):Biodiversity; Reduce Water Pollution Type(s) of Measure: Community-Based Measures

Policy NATIONAL ESTUARY PROGRAM

Agency



Overall Objective To help States to develop and carry out basin-wide, comprehensive programs to conserve and manage their estuary resources.

Delivery Mechanism EPA provides grants and technical assistance to State and local governments to develop and to implement NEP comprehensive conservation and management plans.

Targets

When Applied


Most of the NEP projects deal with urban pollutants such as sewage, toxic chemicals, and heavy metals, but some, such as Delaware Inland Bays, address pollution from agricultural sources.

Costs


How Programme is Monitored/EvaluatedSource/Further information US Environment Protection Agency – National Estuary Program

http://www.epa.gov/owow/estuaries/

http://www.epa.gov/owow/estuaries/


Country: United States Environmental Objective(s):Reduce Water Pollution Type(s) of Measure: Community-Based Measures

Policy NON-POINT SOURCE PROGRAM

Agency



Overall Objective To reduce non-point source pollution.

Delivery Mechanism The program authorizes grants to States for developing and promoting non-point source management plans. States have established a number of watershed projects under this program that involve many local, State, and Federal stakeholders. EPA’s role is to provide program guidance, technical support, and limited funding.

Targets

When Applied


Nation-wide.

Costs Through 1998, EPA had provided over $537 million in grants to such projects, of which $191 million was for agriculture.

Participation/Results How Programme is Monitored/EvaluatedSource/Further Information US Environment Protection Agency – Non-Point Source Pollution

http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/

http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/


Country: United States Environmental Objective(s):Soil Quality; Reduce Water Pollution; Reduce Air Pollution;

Biodiversity; Landscape Type(s) of Measure: Payments Based On Fixed Assets

Policy BUFFER INITIATIVE

Agency

US Department of Agriculture (USDA)


Overall Objective To improve soil, air, and water quality; enhance wildlife habitat;restore biodiversity; and create scenic landscapes.

Delivery Mechanism The Buffer Initiative assists landowners to install conservation buffers for the purpose of pollution interception.

The initiative makes use of existing programs to help accomplish its goal, such as the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)####, Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)####, Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP)####, Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP)####, Stewardship Incentives Program (SIP)####, the Emergency and Watershed Protection Program (EWP) ####and the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP)####.

TargetsUSDA pledged to help landowners install 2.8 million hectares of conservation buffers by the year 2002.

When Applied Applied under the 1997 National Conservation Buffer Initiative.



Costs n.a.


As at 2000, approximately 949,400 acres of buffers had been established.



Country: United States Environmental Objective(s): Reduce Water Pollution Type(s) of Measure: Payments Based on Fixed Assets; Payments Based On Farm Practices;


Policy LAKE CHAMPLAIN BASIN PROGRAM (LCBP)

Agency

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Vermont, New York, and New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission. Cooperating agencies include the USDA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, NOAA, National Park Service, and local advisory groups.

Relevant Legislation Established by the Lake Champlain Special Designation Act (1990)

Overall Objective To protect the Lake Champlain basin.

Delivery Mechanism The creation a comprehensive pollution prevention, control, and restoration plan for protecting the future of the Lake Champlain Basin.

USDA assists the program by targeting assistance to farmers through programs such as EQIP####.

Targets

When Applied


Lake Champlain.

Costs




Country: United States Environmental Objective(s):Reduce Water Pollution Type(s) of Measure: Research/Education; Technical Assistance/Extension

Policy GULF OF MEXICO PROGRAM

Agency

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and business, environmental, and citizen interest groups.

Relevant LegislationOverall Objective To halt the decline in Gulf resources.

Delivery Mechanism The EPA offers funds to attract matching funds for research, demonstration projects, restoration activities, and public information activities. A major issue of concern is nutrient enrichment. Agriculture has been identified as a major source of nutrient loads to the Gulf.

Targets

When Applied Established in 1988


Gulf of Mexico.

Costs

Participation/Results How Programme is Monitored/EvaluatedSource/Further Information US Environment Protection Agency – Gulf of Mexico Program

http://www.epa.gov/gmpo/index.html

http://www.epa.gov/gmpo/index.html



Policy CHESAPEAKE BAY PROGRAM

Agency

Program partners include Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, the District of Columbia, the Chesapeake Bay Commission, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and participating advisory groups.


Overall Objective The restoration of the Chesapeake Bay.

Delivery Mechanism Nutrient enrichment is one of the causes of the Bay’s degradation, and reducing nutrient loads from agriculture, industry, and municipalities has been a major goal of the program. All participating States have initiated nutrient reduction programs.

Targets

When Applied Since 1983


Chesapeake Bay.

Costs


Reduced nitrogen runoff from agriculture and other sources into Bay tributaries have been observed as a result of the program.

How Programme is Monitored/EvaluatedSource/Further Information US Environment Protection Agency – Chesapeake Bay Program

http://www.epa.gov/r3chespk

http://www.epa.gov/r3chespk


Country: United States Environmental Objective(s):Reduce Water Pollution Type(s) of Measure: Payments Based on Fixed Assets; Payments Based On Farm Practices;


Policy GREAT LAKES PROGRAM

Agency

Partners include the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the eight Great Lakes States, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Army Corps of Engineers, Fish and Wildlife Service, and local advisory groups.


Overall Objective Restoring and protecting the water quality of the Great Lakes.

Delivery Mechanism Habitat alteration and pollution had greatly diminished the quality of the Great Lakes. Some of the problems being addressed are fish and wildlife contaminated by toxic chemicals, contaminated bottom sediments, nutrient enrichment, and diminished wetlands. The USDA has assisted the program by targeting assistance to farmers through past and present programs such as ACP####, WQIP####, and EQIP####.

Targets


Coverage/Eligibility Great Lakes.

Costs


A reduction in phosphorus loads to the lakes from both agriculture and industry has been observed.

How Programme is Monitored/EvaluatedSource/Further Information US Environment Protection Agency – Great Lakes Program

http://www.epa.gov/glnpo

http://www.epa.gov/glnpo



Policy COMPREHENSIVE STATE GROUND WATER PROTECTION PROGRAM (CSGWPP)

Agency

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)


Overall Objective To address ground water quality.

Delivery Mechanism This program, coordinates all Federal, State, tribal, and local programs. States have the primary role in designing and implementing CSGWPP’s in accordance with local needs and conditions.

Targets


Coverage/Eligibility Nationwide.

Costs


As at 2000, the EPA had approved programs in nine States (Alabama, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oklahoma, Vermont, and Wisconsin).

How Programme is Monitored/EvaluatedSources/Further Information


Country: United States Environmental Objective(s): Soil Quality; Water Resources; Biodiversity; Landscape; Water

Pollution; Addressing Adverse Events Type(s) of Measure: Payments Based on Land Retirement; Technical Assistance/Extension

Policy WATER BANK PROGRAM (WBP)

Agency


Overall Objective Conservation of specified wetlands in important migratory waterfowl nesting, breeding, and feeding areas, and providing habitat for other wildlife, improving water quality, reducing soil erosion, conserving surface waters, improving subsurface moisture, contributing to flood control, and enhancing the natural beauty of the landscape.

Delivery Mechanism The WBP grants payments to farmers. These grants have a duration of ten years, with provision for renewal. The WBP also offers technical assistance and extension.

Targets

When Applied Authorised in 1970. Terminated in 2001.




How Programme is Monitored/EvaluatedSources/Further Information USDA, Agricultural Resources and Environmental Indicators, 1996-97. ERS. Agricultural

Handbook Number 712, July 1997. USDA, Agri-Environmental Policy at the Crossroads: Guideposts on a Changing Landscape. ERS, Agricultural Economic Report Number 794, 2001.

(continued)

Policy instrument / measure 1986-88 1989-91 1992-94 1995-97 1998 1999 2000* 2001**Cross-compliance mechanisms (payments are granted under other support programmes)Community-based measures 182.3 192.8 277.5 240.4 150.2 140.2 122.1 56.2

Emergency Watershed Protection Program 36.0 41.6 92.1 178.8 80.0 82.2 66.2 0.0Flood Prevention 14.0 13.9 22.7 4.0 7.5 7.8 3.3 3.9Small Watershed Program 82.3 82.7 99.3 22.7 45.0 39.8 42.3 38.7Watershed Investigations and Survey 21.4 21.3 23.3 17.2 11.2 10.4 10.4 10.4

Small Watershed Program 8.6 8.9 10.0 3.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0River basin surveys 12.8 12.4 13.3 4.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) 7.3 5.5 4.6 0.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0Forest Stewardship Incentives Program (SIP) 0.0 6.6 12.2 9.1 6.5 0.0 0.0 3.3

Research/Education 294.9 350.6 404.7 404.5 423.3 453.3 456.7 486.3Agricultural Research Service (ARS) 60.7 71.0 75.0 75.0 74.7 74.5 76.0 93.5Cooperative State Research Service (CSRS) 31.8 41.9 50.6 51.1 64.4 67.0 64.3 63.2Economic Research Service (ERS) 3.7 4.4 5.7 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0Forest Service (FS) 129.5 152.3 186.1 183.7 187.9 213.2 217.7 231.0National Agricultural Library (water quality) 0.0 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) 69.2 80.9 87.1 89.4 91.1 93.3 93.4 93.4

Soil surveys 60.1 68.7 73.0 75.1 76.4 78.3 78.3 78.3Plant materials centres 4.4 6.7 8.3 8.6 8.8 9.0 9.1 9.1Snow surveys 4.7 5.5 5.7 5.8 5.8 6.0 6.0 6.0

Inspection/Control 137.8 153.8 174.1 167.1 147.2 157.6 96.1 79.6FSA salaries & expenses, conservation 48.8 65.5 68.5 62.8 62.8 62.8 0.0 0.0Administration expenses on NRCS Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention programmes

71.2 66.5 77.5 74.7 50.0 59.8 60.9 43.4

Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) 17.8 21.9 28.1 29.6 34.4 35.0 35.3 36.3

TOTAL 1 477.7 2 543.7 2 971.5 3 009.3 3 138.4 2 784.4 2 843.0 3 308.8* Appropriation** RequestSource: Agricultural Resources and Environmental Indicators . Economic Research Service Report. United States Department of Agriculture, 2001.

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