Naná Simone A year of action by Washington tree fruit industry groups has resulted in improved access and funding for growers who seek assistance through the Environ­mental Quality Incentives Program. The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, an agency that considers implementation of conservation practices and economic viability as compatible goals. The intent of EQIP is to support the adoption of practices that are not already fully implemented by an applicant. For 2008, the Conservation Service approved 24 orchard contracts in Washington including irrigation system conversions and pest management practices. Although $1 million […]