by effecting the following reductions: 59 percent in erosion and sediment loadings in streams; 62 percent in biocide loadings; and 46 percent in nutrient loads. It will help put farms in the region back on a firm economic footing, and bring stability to one of New England's agricultural industries. The project was initially proposed by the Army Corps in 1980. There was considerable interest in carrying out the project, however the Corps did not have authorization for conducting such a demonstration project. At my direction the Maine Department of Agriculture has aggressively sought funds to implement the project. Our efforts have included: - Site visits and interviews in Northern Maine by State Department of Agriculture officials and the development of conservation plans and irrigation system designs for demonstration farms by the Scs. Formation and active involvement of a technical The solicitation of financial support and equipment donations. Incorporation of the program into the Maine Potato Industry Long Range Plan, 1982-86. We continued our concerted efforts on behalf of this project until April 1982 when it became apparent that adequate project funds were not available prior to the '82 planting season. We have undertaken several other programs that can work in tandem with this project to recapture Maine's share in the potato marketplace. We have: Implemented a state loan program supported by Maine voters with a $5 million bond in 1982 to develop and upgrade storage and central packing facilities to improve potato quality. Approved, in 1983, $40,000 annual appropriation and significantly more stringent regulations supporting the improvements to seed potato production outlined in the industry long range plan. Initiated a quality assurance and inspection program supported by $280,000 in appropriation by the Maine Legislature in 1983. Although the Cropland Irrigation and Conservation Program is an important part of upgrading the industry, and in spite of considerable support and offers of voluntary and in-kind contributions we could not adequately fund the project without federal participation. Continued assistance from the Army Corps in planning, design and construction of this project is critical to its successful implementation. The Corps has been active in the Northern Maine Region, and there exists a good working relationship between the Corps and the farmers, State and Federal agencies who will be actively involved in the project. There is a longstanding federal interest in providing cropland irrigation, beginning with the 1902 Reclamation Act, but little of that interest has been demonstrated in the Northeast. The Army Corps' continued support of this project is consistent with this interest. This project will bring many benefits to Maine. It will help strengthen an agricultural industry of national significance, and I strongly urge the committee's support of |