UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- A new educational resource is available to help farmers and others understand nutrient management and water policies, regulations and programs. The Nutrient and Water Policy Update Web site (http://agenvpolicy.aers.psu.edu), sponsored by Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, features news and notices on rapidly changing regulations, upcoming public policy decisions and how citizens can become involved, fact sheets, research reports and links to useful on-line resources.

The site, assembled by Alyssa Dodd, extension associate in agricultural economics and rural sociology, and Charles Abdalla, associate professor of agricultural economics, is available for citizens, farmers, agricultural and environmental interest groups, educators, government agencies, academics and others interested in protecting water resources.

"Nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen are natural components of water ecosystems, but in excess may become pollutants, causing algae blooms or contaminating drinking water," Dodd says. "There are a number of federal and state regulations and programs currently in place to reduce nutrient pollution. The requirements and programs also are evolving.

"Pennsylvania's Nutrient Management Act regulations are under review, and the federal government is proposing new requirements for large concentrated animal feeding operations. In addition, the U.S. Farm Bill is making more than $17 billion in environmental and conservation funding available to farmers over the next 10 years. Information found on this Web site can be used by farmers and others interested in protecting Pennsylvania's valuable water resources to stay current on these isues."

To learn more, visit the Web site at http://agenvpolicy.aers.psu.edu or contact Alyssa Dodd at 814-863-5884. Additional nutrient management information can be found on-line at http://nutrient.psu.edu/.

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EDITORS: Contact Alyssa Dodd at 814-863-5884 or AlyssaDodd@psu.edu (e-mail).

Contact: Gary Abdullah gxa2@psu.edu 814-863-2708 814-863-9877 fax #245