Rhode Island State Technical Committee Meeting Notes

May 25, 2005
USDA Conference Room
Warwick, RI

Attending: Ken Ayers, RI DEM, Division of Agriculture; Loren Thurn, RI Agriculture Council; Richard Pace, EcoAsset Markets; Vicky Drew, Michael Kenyon, Michael Merrill, Joseph Bachand, and Jan Lathum, NRCS; Kris Stuart, SRICD; Tom Sandham, ERICD; Rob Swanson, FSA; Gregg Cassidy, RI DEM; Tom Abbott, RI DEM DFF.

Introductions, Review Agenda, and Opening Comments

Vicky Drew, NRCS-RI Acting State Conservationist, welcomed everyone and thanked them for attending. She noted that Judy Doerner, NRCS-RI State Conservationist was unable to attend due to the National Leadership Team Meeting out of state. She remarked that we were all well acquainted and introductions were not necessary. Richard Pace requested and was granted an opportunity to speak later in the meeting. Tom Abbott informed attendees of an upcoming retirement party. Vicky reviewed the agenda (attached).

Conservation Security Program (CSP) FY 2006 Watershed Selection Criteria

Vicky Drew, NRCS RI-CSP Program Manager, provided a brief update on CSP noting sign-up for FY 2005 would conclude Friday, May 27, 2005. She noted that interest had been lower than expected nationwide. In Rhode Island, 25 – 30 producers contacted NRCS for Self Assessment information. Four producers completed the application process and their interviews have been completed. All four applicants have been determined eligible. Due to low interest throughout the country, Rhode Island’s four applicants are expected to be funded. Vicky also noted that outreach for CSP had been aggressive including Media outreach in The Observer, post card mailings, and detailed informational postings on the NRCS Rhode Island website.

One notable surprise came from the interviews conducted. Mike Merrill, NRCS District Conservationist noted interest in CSP Enhancements, and as a result the State Technical Team might like to consider adjusting enhancement payments for FY 2006. Mike also noted that the interview process was arduous taking up to four hours to complete. Vicky noted that assuming all or some are funded, payments might be made as early as July or August 2005. Payments would be based on FY 2004 record keeping. Possible enhancement payments could be made as early as Spring 2006 based on self certification.

Vicky instructed attendees to consider criteria for future watershed selection with emphasis on selection of a watershed for FY 2006. Vicky directed attention to a Power Point presentation for developing said criteria. The National Criteria listed includes:

· RUSLE 2
· Digitized Soils
· Resource Concerns
· Common Land Unit (CLU)
· Trend Data (not applicable in Rhode Island)

Vicky asked attendees to consider the following Rhode Island Recommended Criteria:

· Number of producers in a watershed likely to apply
· Building on the momentum created by FY 2005 Scituate Watershed
· Consider finishing 10 digit watershed started with Scituate Watershed

Vicky informed the STT of the recommendation reached by NRCS Staff at the recent Staff Meeting. The staff recommendation is to complete the watershed started by presenting the Pawtuxet, Wooansquetucket, and Mashassuck Rivers as FY 2006 Watershed for National Office approval. Vicky estimates that there are 138 producers in the area under consideration, which should yield at least the same number of qualified applicants as FY 2005.

Looking at long term suggestions for future watersheds, Vicky proposed building on Mike Merrill’s experience and Mike Kenyon’s knowledge of the program by recommending FY 2006 watershed in the Northern District and the Southern District and then moving to the Eastern District and the coastal areas. By FY 2010 we could clean up all the loose ends not knowing what changes might be in store as the program matures. Vicky recommended not splitting some regional areas due to watershed differences as on Conanicut Island. Vicky also noted that some areas would require involvement of our neighboring states Massachusetts and Connecticut. A determination would be necessary to identify the lead state where neighboring states are involved in a particular watershed. Currently, the FY 06 watersheds under consideration in neighboring states are unknown. Vicky believes neighboring states would contact us if their next year’s prospective watershed spills into Rhode Island.

The sign up period for CSP is contingent upon Congress and will be announced by the National Office and should follow the fiscal year for funding purposes. While we don’t know for sure, when asked about the next sign-up period, Vicky guessed that it will probably be some time between November 2005 and January 2006 to prevent complications presented by snow cover in northern states. Mike Merrill suggested recommending producers start testing soil in preparation for future CSP signups. The soil condition index is a particular concern for vegetable growers. Mike recommended an emphasis on conservation cover and that district managers and district conservationist encourage producers to apply for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to get ready for CSP.

Ken Ayers inquired whether producers from FY 2005 watershed would be eligible to apply during the next signup. Vicky responded that the National Office did allow the first 18 watersheds from the pilot year FY 2004 to apply in 2005, but that the intent was to limit participation to the specified watersheds for each subsequent year.

Joe Bachand suggested the possibility of farm viability grants for no till to motivate farmers and illustrate the benefits of no till strategies. The consequence would be more vegetable farmers would be more likely to qualify for CSP in the future. Vicky noted that several producers are currently practicing no till for pumpkins and squash in Rhode Island with great success. Loren Thurn noted that no till practices are working for other vegetable growers in Pennsylvania. Tom Sandham expressed a concern for weed control with no till, and suggested a likely next crop could be sweet corn. He also noted that beans and tomatoes grown on plastic would not easily be adapted to the no till method.

Vicky noted that fields with container grown nursery are not eligible for CSP stewardship payments, but may be included as “other land”.

Farm Viability

Ken Ayers, Chief, RI DEM, Division of Agriculture, reported that the Rhode Island Annual Agriculture Day at the State House was a huge success. Ken provided an update on Beef Processing in Rhode Island. Progress has been made on identifying a local slaughter plant in Johnston, RI and a processing plant in Providence, RI. Both are USDA certified. Plans are to have beef processed and returned to the producers for sale to the public with the name of the farm and a Rhode Island identifier. Farmers can either accept the beef frozen or vacuum packed. Ken anticipates the first Rhode Island animal will go through the process next week. Currently plans are only for processing beef and lamb, no pigs. Plans for a similar program for processing poultry are also underway. The Rhode Island meat products will be available at farmers markets, farm stands, and local grocery stores at the farmers’ discretion. Roadside stands will have certified cooling systems to market products. Rhode Island television and other media are planning a program to compliment the release of Rhode Island beef into the market. Plans are to include special recipes using Rhode Island beef. Several local restaurants have expressed an interest in featuring Rhode Island beef. Ken believes it is likely that demand will be greater than supply. Johnson and Wales University would like to play a role in training local beef producers. 

Ken identified plans for a system to test animals for various diseases. Rhode Island currently has an animal population of about 6,000. He would like to identify all beef producers throughout the state using Geographic Information System (GIS) and track and monitor testing of those animals. Ken suggested a grant to further testing in all New England states.

Rhode Island Extension Service has money to hire a masters level agent. Ken expects the position to be filled and an individual to be in the field soon.

AgriTourism is going very well, and is experiencing a lot of good publicity.
Farmers Markets are expected to open soon with a new market in Providence. Senator Reed is expected to be present for the grand opening of the new market. Coverage of the popularity of farmers markets was featured on World News.

Conference Update from Richard Pace

Richard Pace, EcoAsset Markets reported about a conference he attended with EPA, US Forest Service, The Nature Conservancy, and other groups interested in economics in agriculture titled, “New Currencies in Conservation.” The conference focused on 2007 Farm Bill new ideas in conservation policy and outreach. The conference established a steering group to be managed by US Forest Service. The emphasis of the group will be organization of the conservation voice in the future. A report and summary of the conference will be available in the near future. Vicky suggested the new Farm Bill should increase funding for forest land, healthy forest initiative, similar to Grassland Reserve Program (GRP), perhaps Forest Reserve Program (FRP).

Draft Waste Utilization Project

Kris Stuart, Southern Rhode Island Conservation District, presented a Power Point presentation in draft proposal format. Kris is collaborating with Gene Pepper and Richard Pace to gather information to determine whether all manure applied in the Pawcatuck River watershed is necessary.

Objective 1:
Data is needed to determine the amount of manure moving through the watershed and whether a problem exists.

· Estimate production
· Method of application
· Map
· Document other sources (possibly neighboring state CT)
· Other land
· Other customers

Objective 2:
Management Option.

· On farm composting
· Typical farm
· Cost to build and manage manure composting facility
· Sale price
· Develop an informational packet for farmer
Review possibility of regional compost facility (assuming a problem exists)

· Select site
· Cost to build and manage
· Policies for accepting animal waste
· Determine likelihood of use by farmers
· Development an informational packet for farmers

Objective 3:
Improve Soil tilth on turf farms

· Estimate compost needs by crop
· Literature shows effects and viability
· Estimate dollar value of composting
· Develop an information packet

Objective 4:
Wildlife food patches.
· Estimate compost needs in Arcadia
· Determine equipment and staff needs
· Compare operation cost

Vicky suggested composted manure might not be necessary for turf farmers. She suggested direct transfer of manure from the farm. There is some concern about the cost of spreading manure on turf farms. Vicky suggested nutrient management incentive practices present in EQIP.

Tom Abbott asked who would run a regionally managed composting facility. The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) with staff commitment was suggested. It was unclear whether there would be a fee for farmers to drop off manure for composting. Tom Sandham mentioned Rhode Island Nurseries’ facility where they are charging for drop off. RI Nurseries does benefit from the composted material.

Kris Stuart noted that the problem has not been completely identified. The first step must be to study the current situation to establish whether a need exists. Tom Sandham noted that Louis Escobar is composting and bagging manure and feels it is a worthwhile endeavor. The question about whether this is a seasonal concern will be included in the study.

Kris is looking for additional ideas for funding of the study and involvement in the project. Gregg Cassidy volunteered to collaborate. Vicky Drew will solicit NRCS participation. The study group hopes to work with horse and dairy operations as well as other partners.

Farm Bill Program Update

Agricultural Management Assistance Program (AMA)
Vicky Drew, Program Manager, noted that $97,000 has been allocated for FY 2005. Applicants have been ranked and the top three funded. Vicky passed out a spreadsheet which listed all applicants by county, type farm, and amount requested.

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
Vicky Drew, Program Manager, announced that $4,000,000 was allocated for Rhode Island for FY 2005. Planners are still working to complete all the contracts. All eligible applicants have been funded. Eligibility criteria for EQIP are complex. Some of the applicants were carried over from FY 2004. Some projects are not as important as those funded in past years, and they probably wouldn’t have ranked very high. Vicky passed out a spreadsheet illustrating the applicants’ county, type farm, resource concern, type practices, and amount requested to demonstrate the types of projects funded this year. Vicky noted that she decided not to rank this year due to the large amount of money available. The Agency is reviewing funds allocated to states and assessing remaining funds for the possibility of transferring funds to other needy states. Tom Abbot asked about cost sharing for forestry. Vicky directed Tom to the website, but agreed to develop a fact sheet about using EQIP to address forestry needs. She added that there will be extensive outreach for future year EQIP applicants. Vicky noted that standards are changing and therefore the costs are increasing.

Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP)
Joe Bachand, Program Manager, announced that $1.1 million had been allocated for Rhode Island FY 2005. Thirty-three applications received FY 2005, which does not include special projects. Some applicants opted to be deferred until FY 2006, others were found eligible but funds were not sufficient to fund all, and others missed the deadline and are in pending status until the next ranking session. WHIP FY 2005 demonstrated an increased interest from private landowners. WHIP is using Technical Service Providers (TSP) with from $5,000 to $10,000 allocated. NRCS will work with TSP for training. Andy Lipsky, NRCS Biologist, is working on special fish passage projects involving anadromous fish. Special Projects include: NRCS working with DEM and Army Corps of Engineers on the first dam on the Ten Mile River. Engineering is 80 percent complete; fish passage; and slide gates to help juvenile fish escape. Rhode Island was the first state to request special project funds. NRCS is taking a comprehensive look at all Rhode Island watersheds for special project needs. The first fish passage this year is on the Woonasquatucket River. US Fish and Wildlife is designing the fish ladders. The Kickemuit River fish passage will finally be completed this year after working on the project for many years.

Wetland Reserve Program (WRP)
Joe Bachand, Program Manager, announced there are four applicants and $500,000 FY 2005 funds allocated. Applicants include one farm, Point Marsh/Warren Land Trust phragmites marsh restoration, Westerly and Narragansett Indian Tribe access road to improve hydrology to a cedar swamp, and North Kingstown coastal marsh restoration. Ranking and funding to be determined.

Grassland Reserve Program (GRP)
Vicky Drew, Program Manager, announced the first closing on a GRP easement in the Atlantic States. Bob Miner, Hopkinton, 60 acre farm with 16 acres in grass closed on his GRP easement earlier this month. The land lies in a historic area on the old Kings Highway with historic stonewalls. A media event is scheduled for June 13 or 14, 2005. Two additional easements from last year include the Gorham property in Foster with a signed purchase and sale agreement for a 30 year easement, and Ted Sanford’s property which involves The Nature Conservancy. Eight parcels applied for FY 2005 GRP, and two tied for top ranking. NRCS funded only one of the top two parcels. Vicky anticipates there will be funds remaining.. Vicky would like to hold the remaining funds until all appraisals have come through. GRP might reach its national acreage cap set in the 2002 Farm Bill. There will likely be no GRP in FY 2006 unless Congress allocated additional funds.

Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program (FRPP)
Vicky Drew, Program Manager, announced that after ranking all applicants she discovered inconsistencies in the acreage for two parcels. NRCS was forced to re-rank and determine scores and ranking shifts where applicable. The Escobar Farm requested additional funds for FY 2005. The Escobar Farm must close by September 30, 2005 or lose funds previously obligated. Vicky is hopeful that additional funds will be available for FRPP through a swap with Rhode Island’s surplus EQIP funds. FRPP currently has $3,141,069 allocated for FY 2005. Vicky noted the high quality of farms and soils in FY 2005 applications.

Environmental Quality Incentives Program Listening Session
Vicky Drew, Program Manager, remarked that Rhode Island has not received any feedback from the National Office on the results sent from our listening session. Vicky also announced that the National Office has developed a National Template for FY 2006 EQIP ranking. Vicky announced the Rhode Island Ranking Team Members: Rob Swanson, Kris Stuart, Gene Pepper, and Tom Sandham.


Next meeting: Not scheduled at this time.

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