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EPA AWARDS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGE GRANT TO NATIONAL CENTER FOR APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY

Release Date: 8/27/1998
Contact Information: For more information contact the Office of External Affairs at (214) 665-2200.

   As part of its efforts to promote sustainable development, EPA's Region 6 office has awarded a Sustainable Development Challenge Grant for $29,901 to the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) in Fayetteville, Arkansas.  The project will establish a learning community where local poultry, swine and cattle producers will learn and practice whole farm management skills to insure better land stewardship and economic benefits while improving water quality in Northwest Arkansas watersheds.

    Regional Administrator Gregg Cooke stated, "Today, non-point source pollution remains the Nation's largest source of water quality problems, and agriculture is the leading contributor to water quality impairments.  This project addresses the sources of non-point source pollution in the entire watershed area.  As producers become better educated and implement whole farm management practices, the entire region and watershed will benefit."

     The NCAT learning community will be a collaborative effort linking together poultry and livestock producers, educators, agricultural agencies, conservation groups, and agribusinesses.  A study circle will bring together a variety of community partners to assess and recommend management practices related to comprehensive farm planning, proper grazing management, nutrient management, and diversity of enterprises.  In addition, at least twenty local producers will contribute time back to their community by participating in a Master Graziers Program. These "farmers training farmers" activities will play an important role in fostering an acceptance of new ideas.

    NCAT's project was one of 45 projects funded nationwide under the Sustainable Development Challenge Grants program.  The grants, totaling $5 million, are intended to provide leveraging for other public and private funding in the communities.  The program promotes partnerships and encourages community-based projects that integrate environmental protection and local community and economic goals.  For more information about Sustainable Development Challenge Grants, visit EPA's web site at http://www.epa.gov/ecocommunity.

    "Environmental progress will not be achieved solely by regulation.  There also is the need for communities, businesses, and government to accept responsibility for investing in a sustainable future that links environmental protection, economic prosperity, and community well-being," said Mr. Cooke.