Full story link: http://www.usda.gov/Newsroom/0404.04.html Release No. 0404.04 Statement by Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman Regarding the U.S. Commission On Ocean Policy Report Sept. 20, 2004 "The U.S. Department of Agriculture is pleased to be part of President Bush's Interagency Ocean Policy Group to help implement a new and comprehensive national ocean policy. The U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy's final report, delivered today, will guide us in this important work. "The Administration is committed to further reduction of water pollution and the improvement of water quality. The 2002 Farm Bill provides $40 billion over the next 10 years to farmers and ranchers who implement land conservation practices, especially in areas that are critical to reducing runoff of sediments and nutrients which ultimately impact our Nation's aquatic and marine environments. "Wetlands are a key component and the President's national goal is to restore, enhance and protect at least 3 million wetland acres over the next five years in order to increase overall wetland acres and quality. USDA conservation programs will contribute to this effort. "We commend the Commission for their work and look forward to reviewing the final recommendations." # A copy of the report can be found on the Interagency Ocean Policy Group Web Site at http://ocean.ceq.gov/. USDA News oc.news@xxxxxxxx 202 720-4623 ---------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, send email to oc.news@xxxxxxxx and reference your email address.
