WHO: Congressman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01) and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Chief Dave White
WHAT: NRCS is inviting the media and members of the public to attend a special announcement regarding a $1 million special Farm Bill project for 23 counties in North Carolina. This pilot project will assist farmers in their voluntary efforts to address natural resource concerns such as water quantity and quality, as well as soil condition, air quality and on-farm energy use. Assistance is provided through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), which is administered by NRCS.
WHEN: Friday, July 27, 2011 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
WHERE: Williamston Telecenter
415 East Boulevard
Williamston, NC 27892
WHY: Large and small-scale farming contributes extensively to our state and National economies. The need for reliable natural resources to produce and maintain a healthy food supply for our nation is increasing as our population grows. Weather events such as drought, currently gripping our nation and state, can strain our natural resources and the economy. Therefore, irrigation efficiency and reliable water sources for productivity, especially on limited resource and socially disadvantage owned and operated farms, is a pressing and urgent priority in rural counties in North Carolina. By offering this special projected in 23 of North Carolina’s most economically depressed counties we will help to ensure that our agricultural industry can have dependable and sustainable resources, help our agricultural economy grow and guarantee sound investments in conservation on working lands.