ICS Forum

Major players in the agriculture and conservation arenas visited Charles City Virginia May 16 and 17 to discuss carbon sequestration, soil quality, productivity, air quality, and water quality. Experts from Nebraska, Colorado, Indiana, and Maryland joined Virginia specialists to investigate how a small group of local farmers have revolutionized agricultural production in this area.

The Innovative Cropping Systems project (ICS), a cooperative partnership between New Kent and Charles City farmers, local Cooperative Extension agents, and Colonial Soil and Water Conservation District was the hot topic of the event.

Colonial SWCD staff Brian Noyes and Jim Wallace, along with New Kent Extension Agent Paul Davis, invited the out of town guests to witness first-hand the changes occurring across this area by visiting the farms of David Hula, Frank Hula, David Black, Louis Aigner and sons, and Archer Ruffin.

Participant John Kimble, USDA/NRCS Soil Scientist in Lincoln, Nebraska, expressed that ICS is an "innovative program" of farm management "tied to off-site benefits such as improved water quality." 

Ron Follet, USDA/ARS Soil Plant Nutrient Research Leader from Fort Collins, Colorado, added, "agriculture is the solution to a lot of environmental problems" and ICS has a major role in that solution.

The following day, a larger audience representing major Virginia agricultural and environmental partners was invited to participate in a forum meeting about the future of ICS, soil quality, and Virginia agricultural productivity. The meeting initiated a strategic plan for the ICS project, with input from producers, agricultural crop associations, government agencies, and researchers.

The number one goal echoed by the participants was to maintain the profitability of farming without increasing costs for consumers. Area farmer Jon Black was candid in voicing his desire to reduce the survival of producers on government "handouts" such as incentive programs. Selling carbon credits or water quality credits may be the future for farmers who want to increase their income with agricultural practices that conserve the environment.

Research and education were the two additional goals generated by the group discussion. David Black expressed his interest in having solid data from reputable scientists to back up local experience. Practicing conservation methods work for him, but he knows that others will need additional information to change from traditional management. In addition, the general public will benefit from understanding the effects farmers have on improving the environmental and economic health of this state.

Producers in this area are on the forefront of an agricultural movement that increases yields and reduces costs, and even improves the environment around them through the reduction of runoff, erosion, and loss of carbon to the atmosphere. And that benefits us all by maintaining our food supply, improving water quality, and making Virginia a healthy place to live.