Info Links - Agriculture

1) "Recommendations for Regulating Phosphorus from Livestock Operations in Manitoba", final report by the Phosphorous Experts Committee to the Minister of Conservation. January 2006. Pdf file: http://www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/envprograms/livestock/pdf/final_report_manitoba_phosphorus_expert_committee.pdf

2) “Agriculture Phosphorus and Eutrophication”, 2nd edition, by Sharpley et al. and published by the USDA (September 2003) can be viewed at: http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/np/Phos&Eutro2/agphoseutro2ed.pdf

3) "Smart Water Use on Your Farm or Ranch" http://www.sare.org/publications/water.htm

As producers throughout the nation grow increasingly concerned about water scarcity, farmers, ranchers and agricultural educators are beginning to explore new, conservation-oriented approaches to water use. They are managing soil to improve infiltration, selecting drought-tolerant crops and native forages, and designing innovative runoff collection systems. "Smart Water Use on Your Farm or Ranch" spotlights innovative, SARE-funded research into a range of conservation options including soil management, such as using compost, conservation tillage and cover crops; plant management, featuring crop rotation, water-conserving plants and rangeland drought mitigation; and water management strategies such as low-volume irrigation and water recycling.

4) A special issue of Amber Waves, the magazine of the USDA's Economic Research Service (ERS), provides a closer look at the relationship between agriculture and the Nation's land, air, water, and biological resources. The issue contains reprints and updates of articles and statistics highlighting: conservation policy and program design, impact of conservation programs on farmers and the environment, cost-effectiveness of conservation programs, and emerging issues, such as environmental credits. Released Friday, July 7, 2006 See:
http://www.ers.usda.gov/AmberWaves/AllIssues/ShowIssue.asp?Issue=July06

5) "Assessing Progress: Agricultural Policy Framework Review Panel Policy Report / APF Review Overview and Recommendations" (May 31, 2006).
(The Agricultural Policy Framework comes to an end in 2008 and this is their mid-term review)
http://www.agr.gc.ca/cb/apf/index_e.php?section=info&page=reportrapport

6) Proceedings of the 2006 USDA-CSREES National Water Quality Conference are now available. The Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service (CSREES) is an agency within the US Department of Agriculture. Documents available for:

Agricultural Best Management Practices: Go to http://www.usawaterquality.org/conferences/2006/AgBMP.html
Conservation and Resource Management: Go to http://www.usawaterquality.org/conferences/2006/conservation.html
Rural Environmental Protection: Go to http://www.usawaterquality.org/conferences/2006/Rural.html
Watershed Assessment and Restoration: Go to http://www.usawaterquality.org/conferences/2006/watershed.html

7) “Research Report 10, 2006: Cities Versus Agriculture - Revisiting Intersectoral Water Transfers, Potential Gains and Conflicts”, by Molle and Berkof for the International Water Management Institute. Transfers of water from rural to urban areas, and from agricultural to urban uses are occurring around the world. An interesting report from the International Water Management Institute -- part of its Comprehensive Assessment of Water Management in Agriculture -- on this subject is now available. Briefly, though admitting that such transfers will continue to occur, it questions whether the economic gains are as great as expected. The report can be downloaded by going to www.iwmi.cgiar.org/assessment, clicking on “Publications”, and then on “Research Reports”.

8) The National Agri-Environmental Standards Initiative (NAESI) is a joint Environment Canada/Ag Canada program designed to develop non-regulatory, nationally consistent and scientifically defensible environmental performance standards that support the achievement of common environmental outcomes over the long term. CD-ROMs of the 2006 NAESI Technical Series are now available from Elizabeth.Roberts@ec.gc.ca For more background info: http://www.agr.gc.ca/env/naesi_e.php

9) The Province has enhanced the water protection farm tax credit. The expanded Riparian Tax Credit offers 20 per cent bonus for sloped land and helps producers pay for alternative water sources. More information about the Riparian Tax Credit is available at the Manitoba Tax Assistance Office toll-free at 1-800-782-0771 or at 948-2115 in Winnipeg or on the Internet at http://www.gov.mb.ca/finance/tao/riparian. Applications for participation from 2007 through 2011 are due March 31.

10) New study shows Genetically Engineered Corn could Pollute Aquatic Ecosystem http://www.enn.com/agriculture/article/23718 Once published the paper will be available at: http://www.pnas.org/cgi/content/abstract/0707177104v1 Todd Royer (IU SPEA) can be contacted at 812-856-5490

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