Great Lakes Agricultural Stewardship Act

Great Lakes Agricultural Stewardship Act

This bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a Great Lakes basin initiative for agricultural nonpoint source pollution prevention. Nonpoint source pollution comes from diffuse sources and is caused by precipitation moving over or through the ground and carrying pollution.

In implementing the initiative, USDA must

• provide grants to Great Lakes states (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, or Wisconsin) for education and outreach, technical assistance, and voluntary verification programs regarding nonpoint source pollution from agricultural activities;
• establish a funding priority within the Great Lakes basin for payments to producers that participate in the initiative to achieve verification through a state verification program; and
• use existing data where it is available.

In carrying out the initiative, states may collaborate with entities that have agricultural or environmental expertise, including academic or nonprofit organizations.

Bill 117 HR 7663, also known as the Great Lakes Agricultural Stewardship Act, aims to address environmental concerns related to agriculture in the Great Lakes region. The bill focuses on promoting sustainable farming practices and reducing pollution in the Great Lakes watershed.

Key provisions of the bill include funding for conservation programs that help farmers implement practices to protect water quality, such as cover cropping, nutrient management, and erosion control. The bill also provides support for research and technical assistance to help farmers adopt best management practices.

Additionally, the bill includes measures to improve water quality monitoring and reporting in the Great Lakes region, as well as funding for projects to restore and protect wetlands and other natural habitats. Overall, the Great Lakes Agricultural Stewardship Act seeks to promote responsible agricultural practices that benefit both farmers and the environment in the Great Lakes region. It aims to protect the water quality of the Great Lakes and ensure the long-term sustainability of agriculture in the area.