FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 9, 1998
CONTACT: Rob Larew 202/225-2165
CONGRESSMAN PETERSON ANNOUNCES CRP EXPANSION APPROVED
WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Collin C. Peterson (DFL-7th District) announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman has approved Minnesota's plan to expand the State Conservation Reserve Program priority area in 9 farm counties.
"We've been working hard on this for a long time," said Peterson. "I'm glad to see that everyone's hard work has paid off."
According to Peterson, the approved expansion includes the eastern parts of Roseau, Marshall, Pennington, Red Lake and Polk counties as well as parts of Beltrami, Clearwater, Stearns and Todd counties.
The plan was submitted to Secretary Glickman by Wally Sparby, State Farm Service Agency director. Peterson said Sparby and his State technical committee deserve a great deal of credit for managing this proposal. "Wally worked hard for our farmers by drawing the support of not only agriculture, but also the environmental communities," said Peterson. "In fact, some environmentalists were initially opposed to the CRP expansion, but we now have total support. I thank everyone who came together to promote this effort."
The extended priority area will be available during the 18th CRP sign-up which begins October 26 and runs through December 11. "I am hopeful that this will allow more people who want to be included in the CRP the opportunity to do so. This is perhaps one more piece of assistance to help our local farm economy by stabilizing land values."
Farmers should contact their county FSA office for information regarding the Conservation Reserve Program and the 18th sign-up.
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