Leonardo Academy and Farmland Management Services Collaborate to Advance Sustainable Agriculture
(3BL Media) Madison, WI - September 18, 2012 - Leonardo Academy facilitated efforts to reduce emissions from several Farmland Management Services (FMS) cranberry farms in Wisconsin through a grant provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program. Wisconsin is an industry leader in cranberry farming, and is ranked as the number one cranberry producer in the nation for the 16th consecutive year. Wisconsin cranberry growers understand that sustainable farming must be practiced in order for the cranberry industry to remain a strong part of Wisconsin’s heritage and economy.
Wisconsin’s diesel agricultural engines emit particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) that have the potential to cause adverse health effects to operators and people in neighboring communities. Six cranberry farms operated by Farmland Management Services were awarded funds to help offset the cost of repowering nine diesel irrigation pumps. Jackson Crawford Creek, Adam 73, Juneau Mather, Juneau Yellow River, Portage Evergreen and Wood Oakridge farms all repowered irrigation pumps aged between twenty and forty years old. This project assisted the farmers in achieving better fuel efficiency and helped improve air quality by producing fewer emissions. Over the lifetime of the nine engines, approximately 75 tons of nitrogen oxides, 15 tons of particulate matter and 2000 tons of carbon dioxide will be reduced.
“It is estimated that there are currently between 9,000 and 11,000 stationary diesel agricultural engines operating in central Wisconsin. Leonardo Academy is dedicated to reducing emissions and improving air quality throughout the state,” said Michael Arny, President of Leonardo Academy. “Leonardo Academy’s goal in advocating the EPA’s National Clean Diesel Campaign is to promote clean air strategies to a variety of stakeholders and organizations.”
Leonardo Academy worked with FMS and Roberts Irrigation to ensure the proper installation of the new engines. According to Steve Hahn, Area Manager for FMS, “We are privileged to receive this award from the EPA. FMS is committed to improving the communities and environments in which we operate. This project is one example of the many steps we take to reduce emissions and achieve better fuel efficiency from diesel engines in our operations throughout the country.”
About the EPA’s National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program
The Diesel Emissions Reduction National Program (DERA) authorized by Title VII, Subtitle G (Sections 791 to 797) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct 2005) enables EPA to offer funding assistance to eligible entities on a competitive basis. Fiscal Year 2008 was the inaugural year of funding for DERA. Approximately 60 assistance agreements totaling over $28 million were awarded nationwide through EPA’s FY08 National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program’s regional competitions. In addition, on February 17, 2009, President Barack Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law No. 111-05) (Recovery Act) which provided funding for DERA.
Under the Recovery Act funding for the National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program, EPA awarded agreements totaling $50 million for projects that demonstrated the ability to be commenced expeditiously, reduce diesel emissions, and maximize job creation and/or preservation and economic recovery through a variety of diesel emission reduction strategies. Specific information on these funded projects can be found at: epa.gov/cleandiesel/projects/.
Upcoming Opportunities
Should a fleet or organization be interested in signing up for future funding opportunities, please contact Leonardo Academy or Roberts Irrigation as soon as possible. For application guidelines, contact Andrea Bachrach at (608) 280-0255 or Roberts Irrigation, General Manger, Dave Zywicki at (715) 344-4747.
About Farmland Management Services
Farmland Management Services (FMS) is directly responsible for managing approximately 48,800 acres of tree and vine crops in Wisconsin, Washington and California. FMS has taken an aggressive approach to reduce diesel emissions in all three states. “We are all Stewards of the Land, Water and Air, these precious resources transcend from one generation to another,” stated by FMS President Carl Evers. “As property managers it makes sense to balance both economic and environmental interest in the long run.”
In Washington, FMS manages 3,300 acres of apples and cherries and the entire fleet of 44 tractors are equipped with the latest anti-pollution tier III engines.
In California, FMS manages 38,200 acres in the Central Valley. The Central Valley is an EPA hot-spot because of the poor air drainage and large population centers. FMS has replaced more than 70 diesel powered well engines with electric motors. Virtually all of our 108 tractor fleet is powered by tier III engines. In addition, we have replaced 25 of our older diesel powered wells and boosters with tier II and III engines. FMS also has replaced four diesel-powered wells with cleaner burning natural gas engines.
FMS has also been a leader in eliminating the burning of orchard residues, estimated at between 40,000 and 100,000 tons per year. Almost all of the tree limbs from pruning or tree removal is now pulverized in the field and returned to the soil and or is used as a dust suppressant on our farm roads.
About Roberts Irrigation
Roberts Irrigation is the Midwest’s irrigation expert offering turnkey service, from application analysis and system design through complete installation and service. Roberts provides irrigation systems for crop irrigation, frost protection, processed water dispersal, and dust control. Roberts relies on the most comprehensive selection of system components in the area, a highly trained staff of irrigation specialists, a large inventory of over one million dollars of parts in stock, and over 45 years of experience.
About Leonardo Academy
Leonardo Academy is a charitable 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing sustainability by leveraging innovative tools and information to motivate the competitive market. By utilizing an interdisciplinary approach to sustainability strategies, education and implementation, we strive to make sustainability practical for everyone.
We develop integrative sustainability solutions designed to enhance the environmental stewardship, social responsibility and economic prosperity of organizations, corporations and individuals. We see a world filled with sustainable opportunities that can transform the way we live today and ensure the prosperity of future generations.
For More Information about Leonardo Academy
Web: www.leonardoacademy.org
Phone: 608-280-0255
Email: info@leonardoacademy.org
