The USDA agencies(UNH Cooperative Extension, NRCS, FSA), county conservation districts and local conservation groups have been working together to minimize the impact of agriculture on the environment. Through on farm research, demonstration and educational efforts, farmers have reduced nutrient loading and the risk of nonpoint pollution by 70,000 pounds of Nitrogen and 25,000 pounds of Phosphorus per year. (This is in one county)
A recent effort (CSREES Water Quality Grant) is focusing on expanding this project throughout the NH portion of the Connecticut River Watershed. (All four counties).
As an educator in the crop and nutrient management area, I do not believe that more regulation will be as effective as an educational program (research, demonstration, adoption) in protecting or improving the environment. Farmers are interested in protecting the environment because they and their families (since they live where they work) are usually the first ones to be affected. The farmers that we have worked with are already doing many things correctly and have been very interested in improving management techniques if they will make a difference.
Thank You.