Purpose of the Document

Resource for the Minnesota River Agriculture Initiative
This document is intended to be a resource to help accomplish the purpose of the Minnesota River Agriculture Initiative, which is to help the agriculture community become an active participant in identifying and solving existing or potential non-point source pollution problems.

This document will help accomplish the two major goals of the Minnesota River Agriculture Initiative:

1. To prevent non-point source pollution through informed private decision making; and
2. Maintain the economic base of agriculture while providing for long-term environmental sustainability.

Resource for Guiding Agency Coordination

This document can be used as a resource in guiding agency activities regarding:

1. Coordination of programs;
2. Identifying voids in programs, current demonstrations and research; and
3. Developing strategic investments for future research and programs.

Resource for Agriculture Producers and Various Local Officials

This document may be used when questions arise regarding: available programs; technical and financial assistance; education and information; various services by state agencies and educational institutions; information on current demonstrations and research; and information on local organizations.

Resource for the Minnesota River Agriculture Team (MnRAT)

MnRAT is an advisory task force appointed by the Commissioner of Agriculture to provide guidance on how to best carry out the initiative. More specifically, the Team will suggest ways on how to best involve producers in developing policies and finding solutions to NPS problems, as well as advise on how to establish a working partnership among producers and agencies. The Team will also look at ways to best coordinate and deliver NPS programs to producers.

Contents

1. Current Agriculture Focused Programs Relating to Non-Point Source Pollution in the Minnesota River Basin
   1. Plans and Policies
   2. Protection and Regulation
   3. Enhancement and Restoration
   4. Acquisition and Easements
   5. Monitoring and Assessment
   6. Technical and Financial Assistance
   7. Education and Information
   8. Monitoring
   9. Other Projects

2. Current Demonstrations and Research Relating to Non-Point Source Pollution in the Minnesota River Basin
   1. Tillage or Erosion Control
   2. Nutrient Management Research (Manure, Phosphorus, Nitrogen)
   3. Weed Control (Smother Crops, Reduced Rates of Herbicide, Mechanical Cultivation)
   4. Tiling or Other Drainage Research
   5. Whole Farm Management
   6. Other

   
   

3. Administrative Districts (Delivery Systems)
   1. Minnesota River Basin
   2. Minnesota Drainage Basins
   3. BWSR Administrative Regions and Work Areas
   4. BWSR Conservation Easement
   5. BWSR Watershed Districts of Minnesota
   6. DNR Regions
   7. MDA Energy and Sustainable Agriculture Program
   8. Feedlot BMP Regions
   9. MDA Federal Cost-Share Feedlot Fund Areas
   10. MDA LCMR Nitrogen or Manure Project Areas
   11. MPCA Regional Offices
   12. MPCA Clean Water Partnership (Phase I)
   13. MPCA Clean Water Partnership (Phase II)
   14. MPCA Clean Water Partnership (Diagnostic Work Complete)
   15. Soil and Water Conservation Districts
   16. Soil and Water Conservation Districts - Clusters
   17. USDA/NRCS Organization Map
       
   18. USDA/NRCS Resource Conservation Districts (RC&D's)
   19. USDA Funded Projects
   20. MES County Clusters and Districts
   21. University of Minnesota Agriculture Experiment Stations
   22. Manure Management Projects
   23. Pilot Implementation Projects
   24. Minnesota Water Planning Joint Powers Organizations
   
   

Introduction:

Minnesota River Agriculture Initiative and Minnesota River Agriculture Team (MnRAT)

What is the Minnesota River Agriculture Initiative?

Several government agencies have been conducting research and monitoring projects to assess the water quality of the Minnesota River. These assessments have identified agriculture as one of several potential contributors of non-point source pollution (NPS) to the Minnesota River.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture, as part of the 1993-95 biennial budget, proposed an initiative that would bring producers and agencies into a closer working relationship. The request, entitled the Minnesota River Initiative, was approved and funded along with several other NPS initiatives.

What is the purpose of the Minnesota River Agriculture Initiative?

The primary focus will be to inform producers of NPS problems being identified by state and federal natural resource agencies and institutions, and to involve producers in a meaningful dialogue to develop responses and activities of agencies and institutions.

Who is the MnRAT?

The Minnesota River Agriculture Team (MnRAT) is an advisory task force appointed by the Commissioner of Agriculture to provide guidance on how to best carry out the initiative. More specifically, the Team will suggest ways on how to best involve producers in developing policies and finding solutions to NPS problems, as well as advise on how to establish a working partnership among producers and agencies. The Team will also look at ways to best coordinate and deliver NPS programs to producers.

What are the major objectives of the initiative?

1. To inform and involve producers in NPS activities of local, state, federal agencies and institutions;
2. To develop a coordinated approach by all state and federal agriculture agencies and institutions; and
3. To sponsor public meetings, survey, focus group meetings, or other efforts that will help producers understand and communicate their concerns and suggestions about NPS.

What does the MnRAT hope to accomplish?

MnRAT hopes to accomplish the following: ask producers how they would like to be involved, conduct meetings on available services and programs, determine what services producers need, and solicit ideas from producers on potential solutions.

The MnRAT also hopes to develop and implement an information and communications strategy with producers. Another objective is to identify opportunities for cooperation among producers and agencies, as well as to identify how programs can better work together.

How will producers be involved in choosing solutions?

The Team will work to have producers involved in the planning and delivery of NPS related programs. This will entail formal representation on committees and working groups, as well as informal participation in public meetings and involvement in surveys and focus group meetings.

Who is involved in the MNRAT?

The MnRAT includes producers and agriculture related government agencies and institutions. The agencies include: the Pollution Control Agency, Extension Service, Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Board of Water and Soil Resources, Department of Natural Resources, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (a.k.a. SCS), Metropolitan Council, the Region Nine Development Commission, and the University of Minnesota.

Who can be contacted for more information, including possible updates?

MnRAT Chairperson: Will Anthony (507-246-5292).
Minnesota Department of Agriculture: Darla Riley (651-282-5140) and Mark Dittrich (651-296-1482).

Acronyms

Thank you

Members of the MnRAT:

Thank you to the MnRAT members and all others who provided information for this document.

Publications:

Publications utilized include: A Guide to Land and Water Resource Management Programs in Minnesota, DNR Planning October 1993; Water Quality Focuses Programs, MPCA December 1993; The Role of BWSR and Local Government in Addressing Non-Point Pollution, BWSR January 1994.

(NOTE: Updated January, 1999)

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