News from U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service
Contact: Jolene Lau, Public Affairs Specialist at 808-541-2600 ext. 135 (Honolulu)

DEADLINE NEARS FOR FARM AND RANCH LANDS PROTECTION PROGRAM APPLICATIONS

Honolulu, February 20, 2009 -- Applications are being accepted from for the Farm and Ranchlands Protection Program administered by the United States Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Interested entities have until April 30, 2009 to submit their applications to be considered for this ranking period.

“In 2008, over $1 million went towards helping keep prime farm and ranch land in agriculture,” says Lawrence Yamamoto, Director of the Pacific Islands Area for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). "Through this program we hope to continue these efforts," he said.

The Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP) is a voluntary program to help farmers and ranchers preserve their agricultural land. The program provides matching funds to State, Tribal, and local governments, and nongovernmental organizations with farmland protection programs to purchase conservation easements.

Interested farmers and ranchers are asked to call their local NRCS Field Office for more information. To find the office nearest you, visit www.pia.nrcs.usda.gov. USDA is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

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Jolene Lau
Public Affairs Specialist
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
300 Ala Moana Blvd., #4-118
Honolulu, HI 96850
(808) 541-2600 ext. 135

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