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Partnerships
EPA Region 5 works closely with many partners to achieve shared environmental goals with agriculture. (See this information broken out by state.)
- US Department of Agriculture
- State environment agencies
- State agriculture agencies
- Other important partners
U.S. Department of Agriculture
National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) (formerly Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service [CSREES] or "Cooperative Extension") is designed to address national problems, needs and knowledge related to agriculture, the environment, human health and well-being, and communities. The Great Lakes Regional Water Quality Project is a very active partner with Region 5 on water quality research, education and outreach.
- NIFA
- Great Lakes Regional Water Quality
- Sustainable Agriculture Reseach and Education (SARE)
- University of Illinois Extension
- Purdue University Extension
- Michigan State University Extension
- University of Minnesota Extension
- The Ohio State University Extension
- University of Wisconsin Extension
Farm Services Agency operates the Conservation Reserve and Conservation Reserve Enhancement programs.
Natural Resources Conservation Service programs help people reduce soil erosion, enhance water supplies, improve water quality, increase wildlife habitat and reduce damages caused by floods and other natural disasters.
State Environmental Agencies
Primary partners with Region 5 in protecting the quality of our air, land, and water.
- Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
- Indiana Department of Environmental Management
- Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
- Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
- Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
State Agriculture Agencies
Additional partners with Region 5, with missions including pesticide regulation, food safety, and many environmental programs with agricultural producers.
- Illinois Department of Agriculture
- Indiana State Department of Agriculture
- Indiana State Chemist
- Michigan Department of Agriculture
- Minnesota Department of Agriculture
- Ohio Department of Agriculture
- Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection
Other Important Partners
- American Farmland Trustworks to stop the loss of productive farmland and promote healthier farming practices.
- Association of State Water Pollution Control Agenciesprovides water quality policy and analysis support to the states.
- Conservation Technology Information Center is a nonprofit information and data-transfer center promoting economically and environmentally beneficial agriculture and natural resource management.
- National Association of Conservation Districtsis the umbrella organization for local soil and water conservation districts, who work with land owners and others to protect soil, water, forest, wildlife and other resources.
- National Association of State Departments of Agriculturehelps develop and implement policy and programs supportive of agriculture and protective of the environment.