Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program

1. Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program Martha Joseph FRPP Program Manager NRCS Spring 2008

2. FY 2008 Implementation • Initial allocation: PA-NRCS sought and received $3.14 million for FRPP easements • Funds obligated through existing FY2007 agreements with PDA, Berks County, Lebanon County, Union County, and Land Cons. Of Adams County

3. Second Round FY 2008 • PA-NRCS sought and received an additional $300,000 • Obligated funds through agreement with PDA on Lancaster County Farms • Will there be a third round? Well…..

4. Farm Bill Update • Extended several times • Due to expire this week • Options: • Extend until end of May • Extend for one year (until after election) • Pass 2008 Farm Bill by end of week • Revert to 1949 Law

5. Is everyone going in the right direction?

6. What If….. • 2002 Farm Bill extended for 1-year • NRCS seek apportionment. Possibility of opening up to partners other than 2007, though we would need special approval to do so

7. What If…… • Farm Bill Extended until May— • NRCS would seek partial apportionment • Amend existing 2007 agreements AGAIN - $1.8 million backlog in PA

8. What if…. • 2008 Farm Bill passes • (Scrape me off the floor) • NRCS seeks additional apportionment • Some programs are able to effect certain changes immediately – other will require rulemaking • Possibility of RFP – quick turnaround

9. What Will Be in 2008 Farm Bill? • Statutory backing to current implementation OR • Minor adjustments to revert program to 2003-type implementation OR • Major adjustments to operate on two pathways – • Certified partners who would follow own processes; and • Other partners who would need to modify process to meet NRCS standards

10. What’s the Stumbling Block?

11. My Prognosis WHO KNOWS!