Washington, D.C. — The Agricultural Drainage Management Coalition (ADMC) and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) have formally renewed their strategic relationship through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), solidifying a shared commitment to improving agronomic efficiency, water quality, and environmental performance across America’s drained agricultural landscapes.
This five-year agreement strengthens the longstanding collaboration between ADMC and NRCS to promote the adoption and management of science-based conservation drainage practices. These efforts are aimed at enhancing crop production, minimizing production risks, and achieving sustainable agricultural outcomes through innovative public-private partnerships.
“Water management is a critical component of agriculture,” said Chuck Brandel, President of ADMC. “This MOU ensures we continue working alongside NRCS to drive innovation, deliver practical solutions for farmers, and support resilient agricultural communities.”
Under the agreement, NRCS will designate its Northeast and Central Regional Conservationists as senior-level co-leaders responsible for fostering public-private partnership efforts to accelerate and expand the adoption of conservation drainage practices and systems.
The agency also recognizes these practices as essential for achieving both conservation and economic outcomes on drained landscapes—including improved crop production, enhanced water quality, greater drought resilience, and downstream flood reduction. Additionally, NRCS will work to optimize the role of certified Technical Service Providers (TSPs) to help meet the increasing demand for conservation drainage planning and implementation. “Our ultimate goal is to put farmers first,” said NRCS Chief Aubrey Bettencourt. “Through this partnership, we’re working with ADMC to improve our conservation practices so they work better for producers and leverage the latest and most efficient technologies.”
As part of its responsibilities, ADMC will:
- Facilitate producer adoption of conservation drainage practices,
- Provide NRCS with current, localized cost data for system components,
- Identify emerging technologies and recommend program enhancements,
- Identify data and assessment needs that can advance the understanding on the impacts of conservation drainage practices at the farm, watershed, and landscape scales.
The MOU reinforces a mutual goal to explore and implement innovative strategies that expand the reach and effectiveness of conservation drainage systems, particularly in areas with significant opportunity for environmental and agronomic benefit.
“This collaboration reflects the best of what public and private partnerships can accomplish,” added Brandel. “Together, we’re laying the foundation for the next generation agricultural productivity and environmental stewardship.”
About ADMC
Founded in 2004, the Agricultural Drainage Management Coalition is an industry-led nonprofit organization committed to enhancing crop production and improving water quality through the adoption of effective drainage water management practices. ADMC unites industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers to deliver real-world solutions for American agriculture.