Farm Bill Celebrates 1^st Anniversary in South Carolina

Columbia, SC, May 7, 2003 —May 13th marks the 1^st anniversary of the 2002 Farm Bill, which was signed into law last year by President Bush. Since that time, many producers in South Carolina have received technical and financial assistance through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). By this time next year, NRCS officials expect a significant increase in the number of producers receiving assistance.

 "I'm delighted by the overwhelming response to participate in Farm Bill conservation programs by South Carolina’s landowners," said NRCS State Conservationist Walter W. Douglas. "I'm also thankful for the hard work of our field staff in implementing these programs -- they've done a terrific job, but I also know we have a big job ahead of us," he said.

 The 2002 Farm Bill authorized an unprecedented increase in program funding for programs ranging from the Wetlands Reserve Program, to the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, to the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program. All of these programs are designed to help private landowners conserve, protect and enhance soil, water, air and plant resources.

 “The conservation provisions in this new farm bill represent a historic opportunity for producers in South Carolina to implement conservation on private lands through a variety of programs,” Douglas said. “These programs help South Carolina farmers continue with their efforts to improve watershed health, water quality and wildlife habitat,” he said.

 "I urge South Carolina landowners with natural resource concerns to contact our local offices to take advantage of this historic opportunity," Douglas said. "The first year has been a success, but we're all looking forward to getting a lot more conservation on the ground in South Carolina throughout the life of the Farm Bill."

 Contact your local USDA Service Center or visit www.sc.nrcs.usda.gov for more information.

USDA-NRCS is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:          
Amy O. Maxwell
(803) 765-5402
amy.maxwell@sc.usda.gov