The efforts of the Manitoba-North Dakota Zero Tillage Farmers Association to establish a better, more "environmentally friendly" crop production system have been recognized by government leaders on both sides of the border.

In 1991, when the Association published the Zero Tillage Production Manual, the North Dakota Health Department, Division of Water Quality was a major sponsor. Using Section 319, Clean Water Act funds, which they manage for the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), their participation made it possible to make a second printing of 50,000 copies. Again in 1996, when the production of "Zero Tillage - Advancing the Art" was under discussion, the endorsement of the North Dakota Health Department and EPA Section 319 funding of publication costs were received.

In 1994, the Manitoba Round Table on Environment and the Economy singled out the Manitoba-North Dakota Zero Tillage Farmers Association for a "Sustainable Development Award of Excellence". The award honours people or groups who exemplify the principles of sustainable development. The award recognized the Association as a "Non-Government Organization" that makes a significant effort to educate farmers about the advantages of sustainable agriculture practices.

Whether in the form of financial support for the Association's efforts or in the form of public recognition, these governmental endorsements represent an important acknowledgement by society that zero tillage has potential to significantly contribute to maintaining environmental quality of soil, air, water, and wildlife while improving the long term sustainability of our crop production systems.

The Manitoba-North Dakota Zero Tillage Farmers Association acknowledges the individual contributions of these North Dakota Soil Conservation Districts (SCD).