Implementation and Development of CCE's Agricultural Stewardship Program

Concerns about agricultural contaminants in ground and surface water were addressed by the Suffolk County Legislature in 2003 and again in 2004 when legislation was introduced and adopted that would provide funding through the Suffolk County Water Protection (477) Funds to begin development of a voluntary management plan to address fertilizer and pesticide leaching/runoff into ground and surface waters. The Agricultural Stewardship Program was established to provide this comprehensive program and Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) was designated as the coordinating agency to work in conjunction with SC Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

OVERVIEW

The Agricultural Stewardship Program's goal is to protect Suffolk County's sole source aquifer, surrounding waters and wetlands by engaging the commercial agricultural industry in implementing new technology and best management practices to reduce potential leaching and runoff of nitrogen fertilizers and pesticides. CCE coordinates the Program and provides the scientific research, education and practical application. CCE works cooperatively with Suffolk County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) who contribute their technical and cost share initiatives.

GOALS

  1. Protect water quality in the region's sole source aquifer, bays and estuaries.
  2. Implement the environmental risk assessment tool (AEM worksheets) to assist growers in identifying sources of fertilizer and pesticide management concerns.
  3. Provide research, educational resources and programs.
  4. Apply scientifically approved research, new technology, safer products and biological controls in on-farm demonstration projects
  5. Maximize the efficiency of agricultural inputs and minimize use to significantly reduce runoff and leaching into ground and surface water.
  6. Promote the continuation of a sustainable and viable agricultural industry.

STRATEGY

Reduce and eliminate agrichemical runoff and leaching into ground and surface water by providing Suffolk County's agricultural/horticultural industries with:

  1. A comprehensive educational program of best management practices.
  2. The latest research and cutting edge technology.
  3. On-farm demonstration projects.
  4. Voluntary and confidential evaluation of current farming practices.
  5. Assistance in developing and implementing conservation plans.
  6. State and Federal cost-share opportunities to implement conservation practices.

RESULTS
  • 300% increase in growers participating in CCE's Pest and Nutrient Management Demonstration Projects since 2005. (75 growers)
  • Over 700 growers participating in CCE's educational program of conferences and workshops on pest and nutrient management practices.
  • Approximately 400 growers reached through direct contact, program brochures, electronic notices and articles.
  • 56% of growers are participating in New York State's Soil & Water Conservation District's program of Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM).
  • 64 Farmers participated in SWCD and USDA-NRCS Cost-Share Environmental Improvement Projects with funding of nearly $1 million from state and federal sources.
  • Full collaboration and integration of the environmental stewardship programs of Suffolk County's SWCD, USDA-NRCS and CCE's Agricultural Programs.

Stewardship is Key. Environmental stewardship is the responsibility to take care of our natural resources to ensure that they are sustainably managed for current and future generations. Stewardship is an ethic that embodies cooperative planning and management of environmental resources with organizations, communities and others to actively engage in the prevention of loss of habitat and facilitate its recovery in the interest of long-term sustainability.