A series of 15 workshops will be held during the next few weeks to update farmers and ranchers about a new cost-share program to help reduce air quality emissions from off-road mobile or stationary agricultural sources.
The cost-share program is administered by the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) as part of a new air quality provision of the 2008 Federal Farm Bill, provided through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Under the program, agricultural producers can apply for cost-share funds to replace, repower, or retrofit existing combustion engines. The deadline to apply is June 26, 2009.
Producers in 36 counties are eligible to use the funds to help reduce ozone and particulate matter emissions. Priority will be given to replacing older, higher-polluting engines with newer, reduced-emission technology engines that meet or exceed current emission standards. Stationary, portable and heavy-duty off-road mobile systems are eligible.
Other eligible practices to reduce fugitive dust (particulate matter) include conservation tillage, harvest activities, precision pest control and manure injection. Up to $22 million is available for this program. In addition, certain regional Air Pollution Control Districts may provide co-funding opportunities.
The workshops will provide detailed information and applications for the program. Representatives from the USDA's NRCS and Farm Service Agencies, regional Air Districts, agricultural associations and farm equipment dealers will be at each workshop to answer questions and help producers determine if they are eligible for the program.
MEETING SCHEDULE
Friday, May 29
- 9 a.m. - Kern Ag Pavilion, 3300 E. Belle Terrace, Bakersfield
- 2 p.m. - Tulare County Ag Commissioner/UCCE Auditorium, 4437 S. Laspina, Tulare
Tuesday, June 2
- 10 a.m. - San Mateo County Fairgrounds, EXPO Cafe, 2495 S. Delaware St, San Mateo
- 3 p.m. - Sonoma County Farm Bureau, 970 Piner Rd., Santa Rosa
Wednesday, June 3
- 8 a.m. - Yuba-Sutter County Fairgrounds, Franklin Hall, 442 Franklin Ave., Yuba City
Thursday, June 4
- 2 p.m. - El Dorado County Ag Building, 311 Fair Lane, Placerville
Monday, June 8
- 1 p.m. - U.C. Coop Extension, Ventura, 669 County Square Drive, #100, Ventura
Tuesday, June 9
- 1:30 p.m. - Riverside County Farm Bureau, 21160 Box Springs Rd., Ste. 102, Moreno Valley
Wednesday, June 10
- 8 a.m. - Imperial County Farm Bureau, 1000 Broadway, El Centro
Tuesday, June 16
- 8 a.m. - Merced County Farm Bureau, 646 S. Highway 59, Merced
- 1 p.m. - Stanislaus County Farm Bureau, 1201 L St., Modesto
- 5:30 p.m. - San Joaquin County Farm Bureau, 3290 N. Ad Art Rd., Stockton
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