USDA and EPA Leadership to Visit California to Highlight the Work of America's Farmers and Ranchers in Protecting our Nation's Natural Resources

"USDA Office of Communications" <oc.news@xxxxxxxx> · Tue, 21 Sep 2010 11:01:35 -0400

Media Advisory No. 4240.10
Contact:

USDA Office of Communications

(202) 720-4623

USDA and EPA Leadership to Visit California to Highlight the Work of America’s Farmers and Ranchers in Protecting our Nation’s Natural Resources

WASHINGTON, Sept. 21, 2010 – TODAY, Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Deputy Administrator Bob Perciasepe will visit California to see and discuss efforts by farmers and ranchers to protect our nation’s natural resources. Merrigan and Perciasepe will tour several farms and meet with farmers and ranchers across the Central Valley.
This week, farms across America begin their annual harvest. American agriculture serves as the foundation for our food, feed, fiber, and fuel, and our agricultural producers help preserve our environment and drive our national economy. American agriculture is responsible for one out of every 12 jobs and has enjoyed a trade surplus for nearly 50 years with this year’s surplus expected to exceed $30 billion dollars.

Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2010

8:30 a.m.-9:45 a.m.  
What: 

Agriculture Deputy Secretary Merrigan and Environmental Protection Agency Deputy Administrator Bob Perciasepe will tour the Cosumnes River Wetlands Reserve to highlight the opportunities for private landowners to restore, protect, and enhance wetlands in exchange for retiring eligible land from agriculture. 
Where:  

Cosumnes River Wetlands Reserve 

13501 Franklin Blvd.

Galt, Calif. 95632
10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
What: 

PHOTO and B-ROLL ONLY: Agriculture Deputy Secretary Merrigan and Environmental Protection Agency Deputy Administrator Bob Perciasepe will tour the Castelanelli Dairy anaerobic digester and power plant to highlight the economic opportunities available to farmers and ranchers in reducing animal waste and potential water quality impacts through the production of clean bioenergy.
Where: 

Castelanelli Dairy

401 W. Armstrong Road

Lodi, Calif. 95242
12:15p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
What: 

Agriculture Deputy Secretary Merrigan and Environmental Protection Agency Deputy Administrator Bob Perciasepe will tour the farm of Dino Del Carlo to highlight conservation practices that reduce air pollution and to promote the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) for conservation efforts.
Where: 

Dino Del Carlo Farm

6717 Stark Road

Stockton, Calif. 95206

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