The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in California will hold a State Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) meeting Oct. 13 to recommend natural resource priorities for the agency as it implements farm bill conservation programs in fiscal year 2017.

The meeting will be held at Odd Fellows Hall, 415 2^nd St., at Davis from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 

STAC consists of farm and conservation organizations, commodity groups, universities, state and federal resource agencies, Resource Conservation Districts, and non-profit organizations.

The committee provides recommendations to State Conservationist Carlos Suarez on conservation priorities to undertake with farm bill funding and NRCS technical assistance.

“California has a wide range of natural resource priorities in need of conservation planning, technical support and farm bill funding assistance,” said Suarez.

While some issues, including water conservation and water quality, seem to persist over time, Suarez says an increased focus on issues including climate change, soil health, habitat, and tree mortality have been seen in recent years. 

“We rely on input from the STAC to help prioritize customers’ many diverse needs,” Suarez added.

The meeting agenda includes: recommending state resource priorities; timelines for 2017 conservation program signups; review of 2016 initiatives, funding levels and contracts; review of 2016 locally-led EQIP funding allocations; and ongoing discussion on the implementation of the 2014 farm bill.

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