WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. agricultural community received an average grade on the Core 4 Conservation report card released today by the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC). Bruno Alesii, CTIC chairman, presented the report April 13 during a national celebration of environmental stewardship in American agriculture in the week before Earth Day.

"The Core 4 Conservation report card shows the ag community has made moderate progress toward the goals of better soil, cleaner water, greater profits and a brighter future," said Alesii, "It also shows there is much more to do. In many cases the technology exists, but the cost or understanding of how to use this technology is perceived as an increased risk."

Agriculture received a "C+" on better soil, a "C" for cleaner water and greater profits and a "B" for brighter future.

Based on government reports, research and expert consultation, the report card provides a progress report on Core 4 Conservation, a CTIC-led initiative that helps farmers increase profits while protecting natural resources. The report card lists a grade for each goal, the advancements and setbacks experienced regarding that goal and suggested areas for improvement. The complete Core 4 Conservation Report Card and supporting information can be found at www.core4.org.

Following the principles of Core 4 Conservation, producers implement an integrated management system of practices that will better manage inputs, reduce polluted runoff, improve soil and water quality and provide fish and wildlife habitat. The practices, such as conservation tillage, crop nutrient management, pest management, conservation buffers and others, are combined appropriately to match local conditions, individual farm size and the management capabilities and financial conditions of the producer. Scientists estimate that the use of the Core 4 Conservation approach can reduce polluted runoff from cropland by as much as 80 percent.

"America's agricultural community has made some progress toward the goals of agricultural conservation," said Alesii. "If we continue to working with the Core 4 Conservation system approach, we can help producers maintain their livelihood, sustain their operations for the next generation and protect the resources upon which we all depend."

The Core 4 Conservation progress report parallels Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman's call in December for a "redoubling" of America's conservation efforts. Speaking at the USDA National Conservation Summit, Secretary Glickman said the Natural Resources Inventory report demonstrates the need for increased attention to conservation challenges.

Secretary Glickman has urged the agriculture community, conservation and environmental leaders to provide leadership in a collaborative effort to improve the declining health of the nation's private land.

"Core 4 Conservation is ready to lead the way and address the conservation and economic challenges that lie ahead," Alesii said.

###