COLUMBUS – Producers who are considering enrolling in the Conservation Reserve Program can submit their application beginning May 5.
Farm Service Agency offices will conduct CRP sign-up through May 30.
Program participation is voluntary, and allows producers to be reimbursed for preserving environmentally sensitive lands by enrolling agricultural ground for periods of 10 to 15 years.
In addition to the annual rental payments, farmers can receive up to 50 percent of the cost for establishing approved vegetative covers on the land.
Enrollment increase. The 2002 Farm Bill has authorized CRP enrollment to increase from 34 million acres to 39.2 million acres nationwide.
The agency will receive and rank CRP enrollment offers based on each parcel’s Environmental Benefits Index.
Program experts at USDA service centers will explain to producers the point system that can enhance the environmental value of an offer based on various practices that can be applied to the land.
Decisions on the index cutoff level will be made after the enrollment ends, and successful applicants will be notified that their contract will begin Oct. 1, 2003.
For additional information, call your local FSA office.
