Multi-State Environmental Stewardship Plan
Directly Adapted from the Upper Mississippi River Basin Stewardship Initiative

BACKGROUND

American agriculture is experiencing serious economic crisis brought about by increasing environmental controls, changing climate patterns and uncertain U.S. agricultural policies.  Additionally, there are many misconceptions that have resulted from society's disconnection from rural America.  These include lack of appreciation for existing environmental benefits provided to society by agriculture, and an unclear understanding of society's dependence on a viable agricultural industry for food, clothing, and many other life essential products.  Without immediate action, the national agricultural economic crisis will only get worse. 

PROBLEM

The continued agricultural economic decline will lead to more farmer/rancher bankruptcies and reduce farm-provided environmental benefits if immediate actions are not taken.  Rural communities will suffer and the face of the nation's farm communities  will change. 

ACTIONS NEEDED

A comprehensive, agricultural supported plan must be developed that outlines the policies and actions required to achieve economic viability and environmental quality in both agriculture and forestry operations. Additionally, a national campaign is needed to educate the public about the critical condition of agriculture and how this affects the ability of our nation to meet the high expectations of the 98+ percent of the non-farming population benefiting from U.S. agriculture.  The LMVI should culminate in the establishment of a strong reaffirmation of national policy that supports the voluntary, locally led approach to environmental stewardship.  Plan actions should lead to sufficient support for research, education, technical assistance, and financial incentives that enable agriculture to voluntarily meet society's environmental stewardship demands and remain profitable. On March 1, 2000 the Lower Mississippi River Valley Initiative states (Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Missouri) met and agreed to develop a consensus supported strategic plan that addresses what it will take to achieve locally led environmental stewardship that is cost-effective, voluntary, and incentive based.  Agreed upon objectives include:

•  Increase public awareness of the importance of agriculture
•  Frame agricultural profitability-environmental stewardship linkage
•  Advocate a voluntary approach
•  Outline producer incentive programs required for success
•  Identify essential research, extension, and technical assistance needs
•  Establish funding requirements
•  Potentially impact key conservation-related provisions of the 2002 Farm Bill