For Immediate Release: Jan. 17, 2012
Contact: 202-554-1600

WASHINGTON (Jan. 17, 2012) – National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson issued the following statement today after Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa Jackson, and Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop the Agriculture Water Quality Certification Program, which sets voluntary standards for conservation and water quality and recognizes farmers and ranchers who meet those goals:

“NFU applauds USDA, EPA, and the state of Minnesota for pioneering the Agriculture Water Quality Certification Program. This initiative will help bring balance between goals of producing food, fiber and fuel while preserving soil health and improving water quality.

“As an added benefit, farmers who proactively agree to adopt these standards will have the assurance that they are protected from new requirements during their agreement in addition to financial and technical support. The program is a win for agriculture and the environment.

“This program comes just as many other conservation programs are being cut and helps to provide farmers in Minnesota with incentives to protect the environment. If utilized on a national level, this program could help offset some of the impact of losing a number of conservation programs and ensure that our conservation and environmental policies and protections continue to be forward-looking.”

Minnesota Farmers Union President Doug Peterson added, “Minnesota farmers are great stewards of the land and that is why it is a perfect fit for us to work with the USDA and EPA on this new program regarding conservation practices. Farmers will have buy-in and ownership of this program and will be counted on to offer technical advice to the EPA and USDA regarding conservation practices on the landscape of Minnesota.”

National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.

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