A Conversation with MillerCoors Grant Finalist - Cumberland River Compact

Founded in 1997, the Cumberland River Compact (CRC) is a regional non-profit educational organization whose mission is to enhance the water resources of Tennessee and Kentucky. CRC works in cooperation with local, state, and federal agencies, the farming community, development professionals, local officials, neighborhood groups, and watershed stakeholders. More than 2 million people live and work in the Cumberland Basin.

Q&A with Cumberland River Compact

RN: What will you do with the grant funding if you win?

CRC: The Cumberland River Compact will work with conventional and organic farmers to create on-the-ground demonstrations of sustainable practices to improve water resources. These farmers will pledge to reduce pollution and partner with us to educate other farmers about their experience. The final products will be peer-to-peer education, methods manuals, and self-assessment tools that help farmers preserve their family farms by improving their bottom lines and promote environmental stewardship.

RN: How does your proposed project complement your organization’s mission?

CRC: Our organization is focused on improving water resources for the citizens of this region and the Cumberland River Basin. Agricultural practices can contribute significantly to waterway degradation. In fact, the dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico is largely from agricultural runoff. Our country’s farmers aren’t intentionally harming the environment; they are utilizing the practices available to them. This program will help educate farmers on sustainable choices and support their environmental stewardship. Just a small reduction in fertilizers, chemicals, and erosion can have a huge impact downstream.

RN: Why do you think people should vote for your organization?

CRC: We are creating a long-lasting program with this project. Sustainable Tennessee Farms is a program that will be giving support to demonstration site farmers, providing valuable education to food producers in two states, and establishing a website that will continue to educate beyond the grant. We are not only helping farmers and the water quality of our region, a vote for the Cumberland River Compact is a vote for improved water quality and better food systems for our and our children’s future.

RN: Thanks for all you are doing to protect and restore water quality in Kentucky and Tennessee.

View project summaries from the MillerCoors-River Network Watershed Protection Grant competition and cast your vote today!