NRCS Seeks Input on 2018 Conservation Priorities for California

DAVIS, Calif., Sept. 22, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in California will hold a State Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) meeting on Oct. 18, 2017. The STAC is invited to recommend natural resource priorities for the Agency to consider as it implements Farm Bill conservation programs in fiscal year 2017. The meeting will be held at the USDA Davis State Office, located at 430 G. Street, 1^st Floor Conference Room, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Attendees are asked to RSVP to [email protected] by close of business Oct. 16, 2017. 

The STAC consists of farm and conservation organizations, commodity groups, universities, state and federal resource agencies, Resource Conservation Districts and non-profit organizations. The STAC provides recommendations to State Conservationist Carlos Suarez, on conservation priorities to undertake with Farm Bill funding and NRCS technical assistance.

"California has a wide range of natural resource priorities in need of conservation planning, technical support and Farm Bill funding assistance," said Suarez. "We rely on input from the STAC to help prioritize customers' many diverse needs."

The meeting's agenda includes the following:

• Recommending state resource priorities
• Timelines for 2018 conservation program signups
• Review of 2017 initiatives, funding levels and contracts
• Review of 2017 locally-led EQIP funding allocations
• Presentation on assistance to small and historically-underserved farmers
• Discussion on priorities, potential timelines for a 2018 Farm Bill

SOURCE USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service