Florida’s Local Working Group (LWG) meeting schedule for Fiscal Year 2023 has been announced by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
The NRCS and local Soil and Water Conservation Districts host the LWG meetings, where input and recommendations are discussed to develop solutions using Farm Bill programs. The LWGs provide recommendations to USDA on criteria for conservation activities and programs, and they focus on agricultural interests and natural resource issues in their local community. Members of LWGs include:
- Diverse agricultural producers and nonindustrial private forest land
- Historically underserved groups
- Representatives of governmental agencies involved in ag and natural resources
- Representatives of agricultural and environmental organizations
- Federal, State, county, Tribal, or local government representatives
“When it comes to solving natural resource problems, local landowners and managers know best. That’s why the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida gives them a seat at the table at local working group meetings,” said Juan C. Hernandez, Florida State Conservationist. “Here farmers, ranchers, forest landowners, conservation partners, and the public discuss natural resource needs and priorities for their county.”
The next round of Florida Areas’ LWG meetings will be held in October and November of 2022. Find the full schedule of upcoming in-person and virtual meetings online on the USDA NRCS STC LWG website page.