Resolution to Enhance the Role and Voice of Agriculture in the Chesapeake Bay Partnership

Description

Agriculture is a primary economic sector in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, containing 3.2% of the nation’s farm acreage yet producing 5.7% of the nation’s agricultural receipts and contributing 13% of the region’s Gross Domestic Product. Farm economic viability is of paramount importance in the watershed, and increased funding is needed to support both technical and financial resources to address nutrient reduction goals and encourage additional conservation and innovation. A clear voice from the agriculture community will help direct and propel the Chesapeake Bay Program partnership in a direction that enhances clean-up and provides for increased farm viability.

This resolution urges the state Secretaries and Commissioners of Agriculture in the Chesapeake Bay watershed to meet on a periodic basis to discuss: (1) agricultural and farm viability issues in relation to Chesapeake Bay watershed restoration; (2) funding issues related to conservation practices within the region; (3) innovative technologies and markets that may enhance restoration and secure agricultural viability in the region; and (4) other matters that may advance the agricultural role and voice in the Chesapeake Bay Program partnership. It also requests that the Secretaries and Commissioners report back to the Chesapeake Executive Council annually, or more frequently if necessary, on recommendations that will advance the role and voice of agriculture in the partnership.