The 2010 ASHS Annual Conference

Objective(s):
To familiarize the audience with the challenges that water quality regulation poses for horticultural producers around the country, and inform them of efforts underway to develop and encourage the adoption of more environmentally conscious production practices.

 The Clean Water Act of 1972 requires that States assess the impact of non-point sources of pollution on surface and ground water, and establish programs to minimize any adverse environmental impact.  Environmental monitoring has shown elevated nitrate concentration to be widespread in both surface and groundwater, often occurring in regions with concentrated horticultural production. In a number of states regulation of farming practices is under consideration to reduce nitrate loads in the environment, and these regulations have the potential to severely disrupt horticultural production” result in significantly changed horticulture production practices