Programs

DNR has strong support for Master Farmers

Katherine G. Vaughan, DNR Deputy Secretary

BATON ROUGE—DNR Deputy Secretary Katherine Vaughan appeared at a press conference in New Orleans to speak on the Master Farmer Program, a soil and water conservation program with the potential to become a national model. The program was launched in January by the LSU AgCenter but was announced to the public at this year's Louisiana Farm Bureau Convention held June 26-30 at the New Orleans Marriott.

She said the program parallels DNR's coastal non-point pollution program, coastal zone management plan and wetland resources preservation. By encouraging environmental stewardship across the state, the program will improve the quality of Louisiana's coastal waters. Vaughan said DNR is providing $150,000 toward startup, development, and training.

Master Farmer is a series of guidelines for farmers to follow to ensure clean water and create a balance between crop production and environmental concerns. The program is voluntary but certification in both instruction and ‘best management practices' is the primary goal. So far, a total of 268 farmers in southwest Louisiana have registered.