Water quality listening session is Monday

Talk about it

WORTHINGTON — The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will host a listening session from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Minnesota West Community and Technical College Commons, Worthington, to gather input on the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program.

The new program has been in development over the past year and is designed to accelerate voluntary adoption of on-farm agricultural practices that enhance water quality.

Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson said farmers and rural landowners are encouraged to attend these sessions to provide feedback on the program prior to its implementation.

“We want to ensure this program delivers what it should for farmers and for the environment,” Frederickson said. “We want to hear from farmers and others about the proposed program while we’re in the planning stage.”

Under the program, farmers would voluntarily implement and maintain approved conservation plans and receive assurance their operations meet water quality goals and standards. In return, they would not be required to implement additional water quality practices for the duration of their certification.

Tags: water quality, news, farm, worthington, minnesota