BANGOR – The U.S. Department of Agriculture will provide $318,900 to the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service for a new program – Agricultural Management Assistance, providing an incentive to Maine farmers to address natural resource concerns.

A second new program, Soil and Water Conservation Assistance, will provide $240,000 to address threats to soil, water and related natural resources, including grazing land, wetland and wildlife habitat.

Most of the AMA funds will address irrigation structures and systems, with a lesser amount going toward prevention of soil erosion. The program gives landowners more opportunity to build or improve water management systems and for crop management and diversification. The maximum annual payment is $50,000 per participant.

For more information on the programs, call 990-9569.