Farmers And USDA Cooperatively Remove Significant Amounts Of Air Pollution From San Joaquin Valley
Farmers in the San Joaquin Valley have helped remove the same amount of air pollution as removing 153,000 cars from California highways, announced Congressman Cardoza today.
That estimate is based on early projections by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service. As part of its Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP), the agency made $22.6 million available last year to help replace older inefficient farm engines and improve farming practices. In all, 586 applicants in California received cost share assistance awards through EQIP.
"These results are further proof of something I have said many times over the years: Nobody cares more about the environment than our farmers whose livelihood depends on it. I am pleased to see our collaborative efforts making such a difference in the air that we all breathe," said Congressman Cardoza, a member of the House Committee on Agriculture, and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Horticulture and Organic Agriculture.
The funding for the program came from the 2008 Farm Bill and a new air quality program that was sponsored by Congressman Cardoza. The legislation is of significant importance to San Joaquin Valley farmers, who are increasingly faced with more stringent air quality regulations.
"The EQIP program is absolutely critical in assisting the California farmer address the serious environmental issues we face in California. Without this program, agricultural producers in California would have a difficult time helping solve our critical problems while maintaining economically viable operations given the extraordinary regulations in this state," said Roger Isom, Executive Vice President of the California Cotton Growers and Ginners Association, and Chief Executive Officer of Western Agricultural Processers Association.
"The EQIP cost-share program has been an extremely valuable tool for the San Joaquin Valley growers by enabling them to upgrade their equipment, thereby reducing the emissions' impact on the region's air quality. The success of this program would not have been possible without the guidance and support of Congressman Cardoza," said Shirley Batchman, Government Relations Manager for California Citrus Mutual.
"I will continue to do all I can to provide our famers the tools they need to improve the environment and to come into compliance with air quality regulations," said Congressman Cardoza.