Agricultural Conservation: Programs & Issues

The U.S. Department of Agriculture provides technical and financial assistance to attract interest and encourage participation in conservation programs. Participation in all USDA conservation programs is voluntary. These programs protect soil, water, wildlife, and other natural resources on privately owned agricultural lands to limit environmental impacts of production activities both on and off the farm, while maintaining or improving production of food and fibre. Some of these programs centre on improving or restoring resources that have been degraded, while others create conditions to limit degradation in the future. This book explores the numerous programs and issues currently established by the government for agricultural conservation and how improved management controls of these programs can enhance the effectiveness of conservation.