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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 GRASSLAND RESERVE PROGRAM APPLICATIONS

Honolulu, March 11, 2009 -- Applications are being accepted from farmers and ranchers for the Grassland Reserve Program administered by the United States Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Farm Service Agency (FSA). Interested farmers and ranchers have until April 17, 2009 to submit their applications to be considered for this ranking period.

“The Grassland Reserve Program has been a popular program with our clients and has helped to conserve our island's valuable grazing lands,” says Lawrence Yamamoto, Director of the Pacific Islands Area for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). "We are pleased that funding is again available for this program and we look forward to assisting our clients to wisely utilize their lands," he continued.

"The Grassland Reserve Program has been a great benefit to many ranchers in Hawaii. We hope the additional funding will help protect more of Hawaii's grasslands," said Steve Peterson, Acting State Executive Director for the Farm Service Agency (FSA).

The purpose of the Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) is to assist landowners and operators to protect grazing uses and related conservation values by conserving and restoring grassland resources on eligible private lands through rental contracts, easements, and restoration agreements. GRP emphasizes:

  1. Supporting grazing operations;
  2. Maintaining and improving plant and animal biodiversity; and
  3. Protecting grasslands and shrublands from the threat of conversion to uses other than grazing.

NRCS and FSA will provide technical and financial assistance to help agricultural producers design, plan, and implement their conservation measures. Interested farmers and ranchers are asked to call their local NRCS or FSA Field Office for more information. To find the office nearest you, visit www.pia.nrcs.usda.gov or www.fsa.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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