NEW AGRICULTURAL MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM DEADLINE

Colchester, VT ….State Conservationist Judith M. Doerner of USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) today announced March 2, 2007 as the deadline to apply for assistance from the Agricultural Management Assistance Program (AMA). AMA funds provide cost-share assistance to agriculture producers to address management concerns linked to water quantity, water quality, and erosion control issues.

Water quality is one of Vermont’s highest natural resource concerns. The proposed AMA program priorities for 2007 are transition to organic agriculture and stream bank stabilization. AMA is the only current cost share program that is not part of the Farm Bill and thus, does not require compliance with Highly Erodible Land and Wetland rules.

Program limitations for this AMA application process (including any crop insurance [RMA] and [AMS] $500 Organic Certification Payment) are $50,000 per person per fiscal year, and a $150,000 contract limit. However, even with a $150,000 contract limit, producers might be eligible to receive AMA funding and combine it with that from the Vermont Agency of Agriculture or another partner to install additional components as needed.

For more information on AMA go to the web site at: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/ama/ or contact your local NRCS field office at the USDA Service Center. -30-

The Natural Resources Conservation Service works in partnership with the American people to conserve and sustain natural resources on private lands. An Equal Opportunity Employer