Baldwin Secures Federal Funds for Agriculture Research
Baldwin Secures Federal Funds for Agriculture Research
Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin has secured more than $1.8 million in federal funds to support area agricultural research projects.
As part of the 2007 Agriculture Appropriations Bill, passed this week in the House, Baldwin secured $900,000 to support Sand County Foundation's demonstration program to help reduce runoff of nutrients from agricultural lands, thus improving water quality.
"This initiative, sponsored by Congresswoman Baldwin, will deliver clean water faster, cheaper, and with less social disruption than mandatory alternatives. Outcomes already achieved include cleaner water in Wisconsin and growing farm-conservation partnerships in other states," said Brent Haglund, Sand County Foundation President.
Agricultural runoff of surplus nutrients causes significant degradation of our nation's waters, resulting in the loss of productive habitat for fish and wildlife, as well as billions of dollars in lost economic activity. Furthermore, businesses and municipalities are forced to bear the cost of cleaning up contamination caused by others.
Recent water contamination in the City of Madison, WI is but one reminder of the need to keep our water supply clean and safe.
The Sand County Foundation, in conjunction with the University of Wisconsin Extension, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation and Discovery Farms, is overseeing a multi-year research study testing market-based, voluntary solutions for improving water quality by reducing agricultural nitrogen runoff into Wisconsin and other Midwestern states' waterways. The project is designed to provide a real-world demonstration of techniques to improve the effectiveness of conservation.
Haglund said their efforts are showing positive results and he is especially pleased the Wisconsin pilot program is being adopted and implemented by farmers in Illinois and Iowa. He also points to the program's success in educating fertilizer dealers, encouraging them to be part of the solution by selling products and services that make farms more economical.
In February 2006, the project was highlighted at the North-South Basin Summit II, a meeting attended by USDA and EPA officials, farm leaders, philanthropists and scientists, all working to improve the nation's water supply.
Baldwin, who secured $2.7 million for the project in previous years, believes the University of Wisconsin's collaboration with Sand County Foundation can have only positive results for the entire state.
"This is just one more example of the great Wisconsin Idea of public/private partnership that allows the public to share in and benefit from innovative research being done at the University of Wisconsin for the common good. I'm very proud to support this work that is helping Wisconsin's family farms while improving the public water supply," said Congresswoman Baldwin.
In the same bill, Baldwin secured $902,338 for Madison's Cereal Crops Research Laboratory for its on-going research studies to develop more nutritious grains. The goal of the Cereal Crops Research Unit in Madison is to develop better barley for America's malting and brewing industries and offer more nutritious, health-promoting barley and oats.
Baldwin has secured slightly more than $11.5 million for the laboratory's research in previous years.
"Bringing more federal dollars home to Wisconsin is one of my top priorities," said Baldwin. The results of this research will contribute to the health and well-being of our people and the preservation of our most precious resources. These are projects the federal government should help support and I'm pleased that they're receiving funds because of my advocacy," she said.
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