In early February, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) met with federal and state agencies from the California Central Coast region to discuss healthy soil practices.
Central Coast farm and producer organizations joined EPA representatives, as well as Natural Resources Conservation Service, and California Department of Food and Agriculture representatives.
The round table focused on ways to enhance communication for healthy soils practices. The agencies also announced a new multi-agency work group that will address challenges and create incentives for on-farm composting.
“We are excited to announce the creation of the interagency On-Farm Compost Work Group, which will support California’s farmers, ranchers, and food producers and help bring about more efficient ways to work together as stewards of our natural resources,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Acting Regional Administrator Deborah Jordan.
The group will include 15 federal, state, and regional agencies who will develop a regulatory pathway for challenges to decrease nutrient loading, reduce agricultural burning, and improve soil health.
