National Association of Conservation Districts

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONSERVATION DISTRICT LEADER APPOINTED TO NEWLY-FORMED
 EPA AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE

WASHINGTON, D.C.—February 21, 2008— Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Stephen Johnson yesterday announced the appointment of 30 citizens to serve on a newly-formed Farm, Ranch and Rural Communities Advisory Committee.

The National Association of Conservation Districts congratulates conservation district official Earl Garber on his appointment to the Committee. Garber, a rice, soybean and hay producer from Crowley, Louisiana, currently serves on NACD’s Legislative Committee and as President of the Louisiana Association of Conservation Districts.

Mr. Garber began his involvement in conservation as a soil scientist and district conservationist. He then joined his father and brother in a full-time farming enterprise. He now has his own farming operation and provides daily service to area producers as a crop consultant. He has served on the Arcadia Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors since 1981.

The Committee will advise Administrator Johnson on environmental policy issues impacting farms, ranches and rural communities. The group has been tasked with three initial issues, including: 1) assessing how EPA policy and regulation on climate change and renewable energy will affect the agriculture community, 2) developing an environmental strategy for managing waste from livestock operations, and 3) developing a constructive approach to advancing sustainable agriculture, protecting the environment, and addressing communication between environmental and agricultural interests.

Members were selected from a pool of more than 200 applicants. The new members represent large and small farmers, ranchers and rural communities; rural suppliers, marketers and processors; academics and researchers who study environmental issues impacting agriculture; and environmental and conservation groups.

Additional information on the Committee and a full list of members is available at http://www.epa.gov/agriculture/frrcc/.

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The National Association of Conservation Districts is the non-profit organization that represents the nation’s 3,000 conservation districts and 17,000 men and women who serve on their governing boards. For almost 70 years, local conservation districts have worked with cooperating landowners and managers of private working lands to help them plan and apply effective conservation practices. NACD’s website is at www.nacdnet.org.