USDA funds available to reduce farm runoff

REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio - The next round of funding is available through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) as part of a five-year, $17.5 million program funded by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

The goal of the program is to reduce nutrients entering Ohio waterways to lessen harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie. Funding is available to assist farmers in installing conservation practices that benefit water quality in the Western Lake Erie Basin.

This year, Ohio livestock producers will receive priority funding.

Nutrient management practices that allow for proper storage, timing and placement of nutrients will help livestock producers comply with Ohio’s nutrient management laws.

Ohio livestock producers in the Western Lake Erie Basin interested in applying for technical and financial assistance to implement these practices should contact their local USDA Service Center. The application deadline is Nov. 17.

The Tri‐State Western Lake Erie Basin Phosphorus Reduction Initiative is a partnership effort that includes public, private and nonprofit organizations and is led in Ohio by the Ohio Department of Agriculture. These partner organizations assist with promoting conservation opportunities and monitoring the impact of these practices implemented through the initiative.

For more information about conservation assistance available through the Tri‐State Western Lake Erie Basin Phosphorus Reduction Initiative, visit the Ohio USDA-NRCS website at www.oh.nrcs.usda.gov.