USDA Announces Initiative to Reduce Greenhouse Gases

EAST LANSING, Jan. 11, 2013 – Farmers in 21 Michigan counties are eligible for financial assistance to help reduce greenhouse gases by planting cover crops and implementing new nutrient management practices.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has $10 million in conservation funding available for greenhouse gas initiatives in 13 states including Michigan. Farmers in eligible counties can apply for the financial assistance that will pay a portion of the cost for planting cover crops or adopting nutrient management practices. Farmers must submit an application at their local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service office by Feb. 15 to be considered for funding.

Counties eligible for USDA Greenhouse Gas Initiative funding include Barry, Bay, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Clinton, Eaton, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Huron, Ionia, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Lenawee, Montcalm, Saginaw, Sanilac, Shiawassee, St. Joseph, Tuscola and Van Buren. Successful applicants will receive a set payment after the conservation practice is implemented.

For more information about USDA Greenhouse Gas conservation assistance is available at local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service offices or online at www.mi.nrcs.gov.  A list of NRCS offices in Michigan is posted online at www.mi.nrcs.usda.gov/contact/Field%20Offices.html.