Agriculture

Why is agriculture use important?
Agricultural use is found throughout the bay area, especially in Liberty and Brazoria counties.  Important agricultural activities such as raising livestock and growing major crops — rice, sorghum, soybeans, and corn — generates an estimated $130 million per year. Click here for more information.

How does agriculture impact the bay?

Agricultural land use surrounding the bay has been declining for many years. Nevertheless, agriculture, and particularly irrigated agriculture such as rice farming, can be an important factor affecting the bay system. Irrigation, erosion control and pest control practices can affect the amount, timing, and quality of freshwater inflows.

Other impacts on the bay include:

• water quality degradation through the introduction of fecal coliform bacteria from livestock waste and the introduction of nutrients, herbicides and pesticides from crop management;
• conversion of agricultural land to more urban uses can result in even greater impact on water supply and quality of runoff to the bay system.

How does the Estuary Program help agricultural businesses?

The Galveston Bay Estuary Program provides resources and periodic funding for you to help conserve the bay.  Specifically, the Estuary Program provides:

• Information on grant programs and help with proposals
• Assistance organizing and conducting workshops and training
• Letters of support for local projects

How can my agriculture business help?

Reduce your contribution of non-point source pollution (NPS).  Non-point source pollutions consists of constituents in water (including pollutants) originating from diffuse, land-based sources, and generally transported in runoff from precipitation.  Agriculture sources of NPS include crop production, pastureland, rangeland, feed lots, aquaculture and livestock management areas.  Visit the Natural Resources Conservation Services Web site and the EPA Web site to learn what farmers and ranchers are doing to protect water quality.

Attend a watershed protection partnership meeting in your area. Contact Steven Johnston, Water Sediment and Quality Coordinator, for more information.

Become a GBEP Partner and help preserve Galveston Bay for generations to come.

For more information about agricultural partnerships, contact Ericka McCauley, Public Information Officer.

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