DES MOINES — Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey announced that four projects focused on expanding the use and innovative delivery of water quality practices have been selected to receive $3.06 million in funding through the Iowa water quality initiative over the next three years. In addition to the state funds, the four projects will provide an additional $2.59 million in matching funds to support water quality improvement efforts as well as other in-kind contributions.
“Broad adoption of a variety of practices is necessary to reach the aggressive goals we all share for water quality. These four new projects are focused on helping us learn more about the best ways to get these practices on the land and creating demonstration opportunities so farmers can see how a new practice might work on their farm,” Northey said.
The projects started on July 1. Thirteen partners from agriculture organizations, institutions of higher education, private industry, the local, state and federal government, and others, are working together on these projects.
Winning projects include Advancing Nutrient Reduction in the Rock Creek Watershed by Iowa Soybean Association and Optimized Water Quality Wetlands Integrated with In-Field Nutrient Management Practices by Soil and Water Conservation Society.