Attendees of the National Association of Conservation Districts 64th Annual Meeting were encouraged to be a part of the dialogue about climate change and stay alert on efforts to address global warming during a welcome address by Rep. Adam Putnam, R-Fla.
“As I tell our farmers, this conversation about carbon is not limited to the halls of Congress,” said Putnam, adding that retailers have been asking about how carbon footprints impact their products and how retailers like Wal-Mart can have a huge impact on producers through its policies.
The event, which was held last week in Orlando, Fla., allows the organization to set priorities and goals for the coming year. NACD represents 3,000 conservation districts that work to help landowners and operators manage and protect private and public land and water resources.
Harris Sherman, USDA under secretary for Natural Resources and the Environment, also spoke during the first session of the conference, acknowledging NACD’s relationship with the agency.
“You have a lot of friends at USDA who are committed to what you are doing. We fully understand we cannot do this without what you do,” said Sherman. “I realize in the past, Natural Resources Conservation Service has not had the kind of attention it deserves at USDA. I assure you, it will in this administration.”
The Farm Service Agency was one of several USDA agencies in attendance, encouraging producers and landowners to take advantage of the programs that are available to help with conservation efforts.
—by Murray Dale Watts, SE Regional Public Affairs Specialist, USDA FSA
