Public-Private Partnership Focuses on Soil Health
A unique collaboration sets its sights on improving agricultural production and stewardship.
Nine public- and private-sector organizations, including Syngenta, have established a collaborative framework that will promote agricultural production and natural resource stewardship. Under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the partnership will spread the word about innovative technologies and best production practices.
The partnership is developing case studies focused on soil health and the four Rs of nutrient management—right source, right rate, right time, right place—which it plans to publish this summer.
“NRCS has a keen interest in working with private and public sectors,” says Marty Adkins, assistant state conservationist, partnerships, for NRCS in Iowa. “Companies like Syngenta that provide service and support for ag retailers and farmers help us achieve our mission.”
Agricultural retailers have long-standing relationships with growers, and growers value their retailers’ technical knowledge, Adkins adds. Retailers will gain additional knowledge through case studies, co-developed by the partners, and by attending training sessions.
The case studies share practical approaches to improving soil heath and nutrient management, such as incorporating cover crops into farming operations. “These studies reflect a diversity of cropping systems across the United States,” notes Jeffrey Sands, manager of government relations for Syngenta.
Syngenta, the only chemical agribusiness in the partnership, contributed case studies that feature the stewardship efforts of agricultural retailers and their customers from five regions of the United States: the Northeast, the Southeast, the central Midwest, the Pacific Northwest and California. Syngenta hopes these examples of what’s possible will inspire creativity and encourage best-management practices, Sands says.
As the partnership’s activities expand, there will be a recognition program for stewardship achievements at the local level. In the long-term, the public-private partnership will help growers and other agricultural professionals improve farm production, preserve natural resources and stimulate agricultural innovation, Sands says.
Partners for Progress
The NRCS is collaborating with the following organizations to share case studies that will help enhance agricultural production and environmental stewardship:
The partnership is developing case studies focused on soil health and the four Rs of nutrient management—right source, right rate, right time, right place—which it plans to publish this summer.
“NRCS has a keen interest in working with private and public sectors,” says Marty Adkins, assistant state conservationist, partnerships, for NRCS in Iowa. “Companies like Syngenta that provide service and support for ag retailers and farmers help us achieve our mission.”
Agricultural retailers have long-standing relationships with growers, and growers value their retailers’ technical knowledge, Adkins adds. Retailers will gain additional knowledge through case studies, co-developed by the partners, and by attending training sessions.
“Everyone is pitching in to develop the case studies—documenting successes, failures and what’s possible,” Adkins says.“NRCS has a keen interest in working with private and public sectors. Companies like Syngenta that provide service and support for ag retailers and farmers help us achieve our mission.”
The case studies share practical approaches to improving soil heath and nutrient management, such as incorporating cover crops into farming operations. “These studies reflect a diversity of cropping systems across the United States,” notes Jeffrey Sands, manager of government relations for Syngenta.
Syngenta, the only chemical agribusiness in the partnership, contributed case studies that feature the stewardship efforts of agricultural retailers and their customers from five regions of the United States: the Northeast, the Southeast, the central Midwest, the Pacific Northwest and California. Syngenta hopes these examples of what’s possible will inspire creativity and encourage best-management practices, Sands says.
New partnership established to promote #ag production and soil health.
The nine partners are planning an orientation-and-training program next winter, held in conjunction with a national event. They’re also discussing other activities, such as hosting field days.
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As the partnership’s activities expand, there will be a recognition program for stewardship achievements at the local level. In the long-term, the public-private partnership will help growers and other agricultural professionals improve farm production, preserve natural resources and stimulate agricultural innovation, Sands says.
Partners for Progress
The NRCS is collaborating with the following organizations to share case studies that will help enhance agricultural production and environmental stewardship:
- Syngenta
- Agricultural Retailers Association
- American Society of Agronomy
- CropLife America
- Crop Science Society of America
- National Association of Conservation Districts
- National Association of State Departments of Agriculture
- Soil Science Society of America
- The Fertilizer Institute
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