NEWS RELEASE

NACD Applauds USDA Investments Combating Drought  

Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the investment of $400 million to be allocated to select Western irrigation districts to help producers conserve water and improve the efficiency of their operations. The investments will allow irrigation districts to help producers install and utilize water saving technologies and conservation practices in response to ongoing drought. These investments are expected to conserve up to 50,000 acre-feet of water across 250,000 acres of irrigated land currently in production, while expanding sustainable market opportunities. In a follow-up briefing USDA stated the intention of this program is to employ local knowledge and partnerships to best address the individual needs of identified areas.

USDA also announced a set-aside within the program to support additional awards within Indian Country. In coordination with the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Indian Affairs and Tribes, USDA has allocated $40 million to assess needs and implement practices to reduce water consumption and maintain land in agricultural production.

“NACD appreciates USDA’s investments enabling producers and local conservation leaders to take meaningful steps to more effectively conserve water resources and address significant drought conditions in the American West,” said NACD President Kim LaFleur. “NACD and conservation districts across the country are committed to working with USDA and our partners to help producers implement conservation practices that conserve water and improve their operations.”

See USDA’s press release to learn more about these investments and additional administration initiatives to conserve water and address drought.

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About the National Association of Conservation Districts: 

The National Association of Conservation Districts is the nonprofit organization that represents the nation’s 3,000 conservation districts, their state and territory associations and the 17,000 individuals who serve on their governing boards. For more than 70 years, local conservation districts have worked with cooperating landowners and managers of private working lands to help them plan and apply effective conservation practices. For more information about NACD, visit: www.nacdnet.org.