Agreement aims to improve education, outreach, and recognize environmental stewardship activities

FRANKFORT (Oct. 16, 2020) – The Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish collaborative efforts and foster relationships between agencies, Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Ryan Quarles has announced.

“The Kentucky Department of Agriculture is honored to enter into this new memorandum of understanding with the Environmental Protection Agency,” Commissioner Quarles said. “This is just another example of the great partnerships President Trump and Administrator Wheeler have built with state leaders out of a clear commitment to cooperative federalism.”

KDA hosted EPA representatives for a roundtable with Kentucky agricultural leaders this afternoon and afterward Commissioner Quarles met with EPA Region 4 Administrator Mary S. Walker to sign the new cooperative agreement.

“This agreement is an important step forward toward strengthening our partnership with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and renewing our commitment to promoting environmental stewardship with our agricultural stakeholders,” Walker said. “I have especially appreciated the progress our agencies have made toward collaboration and I look forward to future opportunities to work side by side with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.”

The MOU between EPA and the KDA includes education and outreach; communication/coordination; and recognition of environmental stewardship activities.