RE: Introduction - Outreach to agricultural producers

[Nadine L. Scott <deannie@nctimes.net>]

I work with Mr. Wehri in the conservation district field with farmers, ranchers, producers and yes, even urbanites in the Ag/Urban interface.  I agree with him that there is much suspicion with a group who appears very regulatory rather than as an agency that is supported by the public and our tax dollars.  In California we were lucky enough to have an Agriculture Liaison.  EVERY STATE AND MAJOR REGION SHOULD HAVE THIS POSITION IN PLACE at the EPA regional office.  The person in this position personalized the EPA and removed the perception of the 'gorilla on ones back" in very large measure!  I am most pleased to see that we have Jean-Mari Peltier in the directors office as an agricultural sub-director.  Farming is an area that needs more assistance dollars for education/outreach and implementation dollars for watershed planning and best management practices.