Windfall Available For Idaho Growers

Idaho growers may be able to take advantage of a windfall allocation of $15 million in financial assistance applying for USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service programs by the close of business on January 14, 2005.

The announcement spread by farm groups like the Potato Growers of Idaho, says funding includes all conservation programs administered by NRCS except for the Farm and Ranchland Protection Program and the Conservation Security Program.

Local NRCS centers will began accepting applications Thursday.

Among areas for help are preservation of wet lands, environmental quality incentives for improving water-use efficiency, and wildlife habitat incentives.

The allocation of funds for the program is made earlier than usual so growers will have time to research and learn about these programs.

Another application period will run later in 2005.