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ments and other programs to which USD A makes commodity-related payments.
The SCS will determine if a field is highly erodible by consulting soil maps. Specialists may also have to visit the site in some cases. “Our mission is to make sure farmers are kept eligible,” said George Norris, state conservationist with the SCS.
Mr. Delano’s main concern, however, is the confusion brought about by the complex issue. “The farmer is hearing all kinds of rumors and horror stories,” he pointed out. “It is a lack of information and communication throughout the state. We are working to get the word out to farmers and we will assist them in implementing the program. But we want to make sure they are aware of the guidelines.”
Virginia producers who are currently farming on erodible or hydric land should contact their local SCS, ASCS or county extension offices for details. Final rules of the program are not yet written, but are expected from the USDA this month, according to Mahlon Rudy, executive director of the state ASCS.
The ASCS has already assisted 2,500 producers this year and have 12,000 more requests, Mr. Rudy said. Up to 40,000 farmers will eventually n^ed assistance, he added.
The two program are also tied in with Congress’ 1987 Clean Water Act and the regional Chesapeake Bay Cleanup project. “The droughts of 1981 and 1986 have shown us how important water is to us,” Mr. Rudy said. “Pollution will be with us if we continue to use that water wrongly.”
The program is consistent with VFBF’s official policy which opposes incentives to artificially stimulate producers who bring fragile lands under cultivation.
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