Sussex County Poultry Farmers Can Now Sign Up for Federal Assistance

WILMINGTON, Del. – Delaware poultry farmers can now apply for federal assistance from the Sussex Conservation District (SCD) to implement best management practices that are fundamental to improving air quality, soil conditions, soil erosion and water quality.  

The SCD, through the Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative (CCPI), recently received $715,000 from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to help farmers increase conservation efforts in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.  

“As Delaware farmers struggle to cope with high gas and corn prices, we are working hard to connect them with the assistance they need to sustain and grow their business,” said Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.). “Farmers should consider signing up for this assistance that will help them implement best practices and increase their conservation efforts – a win-win for business and the environment.”  

“Delaware farmers have long been good stewards of the land,” said Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.). “This initiative from the USDA recognizes the important role Delaware farmers play in conserving our natural resources. This assistance comes at a critical time and will help poultry growers meet their conservation goals as well as their bottom line. I strongly encourage Delaware farmers to sign up for this program.”  

Producers interested in installing the following conservation practices may be eligible for financial assistance: manure storage buildings, heavy use area poultry pads, composters, poultry windbreaks and more. The sign up period ends August 15, 2011.

To sign up, contact the Sussex Conservation District at (302) 856-3990. More information about CCPI can be found at www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/ccpi/ and www.de.nrcs.usda.gov.

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