Farmers collaborate to meet goals early

Anew report by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Hypoxia Task Force demonstrates that the work of farmers and ranchers to reduce nutrient losses in the Mississippi River watershed is paying off. The report reveals that the 12 participating states have met interim nitrogen-reduction goals two years ahead of schedule and are also making considerable progress in reducing phosphorus losses.

The goals, which are part of a comprehensive strategy established by state and federal agencies across the Mississippi River watershed region, tasked farmers, ranchers and trusted advisors with helping to reduce nutrient losses by 20 percent by 2025. Through dedication to the implementation of conservation and best-management practices, nitrogen loss has already been reduced by 23 percent, which exceeds the goals established in the Gulf Hypoxia Action Plan 2008.

“Farmers are problem-solvers by nature, and the work being done in Mississippi River Basin to reduce nitrogen loads in the Gulf region is proof of what can happen when we come together to find solutions,” said American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall. “I commend the farmers in each of the HTF (Hypoxia Task Force) states for their instrumental role in making these strides and encourage all stakeholders to continue working together to meet the 2035 goals.”

While the interim goal of nitrogen loss has been met, the report also outlines the need for more progress in the reduction of phosphorous loss, despite the contribution of farmers to a positive phosphorous trend. The American Farm Bureau Federation also acknowledges economic factors, including planted acreage and associated fertilizer demand, can influence average nutrient load values within selected time periods.

The American Farm Bureau Federation encourages continued discussion on preventing natural sources of phosphorous losses, such as streambank erosion. The long-term goal of the Action Plan calls for a 48 percent reduction in phosphorous loads by 2035.

“There’s still work to be done in the Gulf region and we stand ready to work with our partners at EPA, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and within the task force states to continue the progress we’re making,” Duvall said.

The American Farm Bureau Federation is a founding member of the Agricultural Nutrient Policy Council, an organization of more than 40 federal and state agricultural trade organizations and agribusinesses, which has been instrumental in helping producers implement nutrient loss reduction strategies and establish productive partnerships across the watershed.