USDA Proposes Incentives For Rare Species, Air Quality

(19 May, 2003 — Washington, D.C.)  Environmental Defense today applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for proposing new incentives for farmers and ranchers who aid rare species and improve air quality.

USDA released final rules for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), which this year will provide nearly $700 million in assistance to farmers and ranchers offering to help improve air and water quality, protect soils, and provide habitat for wildlife.

Historically, EQIP has awarded efforts to improve water quality and soil health.  But, at the urging of Environmental Defense, USDA included at-risk species and air quality among four “national priorities” for the program. 

“USDA is launching an unprecedented effort to reward farmers and ranchers who help meet the needs of rare species,” said Environmental Defense senior attorney Tim Searchinger, who is also co-director of the organization’s new Center for Conservation Incentives.  “No agency has more resources to work with landowners to provide incentives for habitat restoration efforts than USDA.” 

The new $10 million Center for Conservation Incentives provides technical, financial and regulatory assistance to landowners and advocates policies that provide incentives for good land stewardship.

“Farmers and ranchers want to protect rare species and improve air quality, but they face new costs and risk when they take steps to help the environment.  USDA has helped make made good stewardship affordable for more landowners,” said Searchinger.

Most rare species depend upon private land for their survival, according to scientists.  The National Academy of Sciences recently confirmed that air emissions from farms and ranches require greater attention from agencies like USDA.