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CSP Sign-Up Dates Scheduled for Feb. 13 to March 31

Farmers in eligible watersheds have the opportunity to sign-up for the Conservation Security Program before the busy planting season. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns announced Tuesday official sign-ups will be held Feb. 13, 2006 to March 31, 2006 in 60 watersheds nationwide.

Last week Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Saxby Chambliss and Ranking Member Tom Harkin requested that the sign-up be held in the next few weeks to allow farmers adequate time to do the required self-assessment and determine eligibility in the program. In addition, the ability to sign-up prior to most planting decision encourages more conservation practices in this crop year, Johanns explains.

USDA announced preliminary selection of 110 watersheds for fiscal year 2006 based on the President's budget request. Based on available funding, CSP will be offered in 60 watersheds across all 50 states, the Caribbean and Guam. The sign-up will only include those producers who do not have an existing CSP contract.

This year marks the third CSP sign-up. The privately-owned land currently enrolled in CSP covers nearly 11 million acres in the 220 eligible watersheds in all 50 states and the Caribbean Area.

To be eligible for CSP, most of a producer's agricultural operation must fall within the boundaries of a selected watershed. Producers begin the application process by filling out a self-assessment to determine if they meet the basic qualifications for CSP. Self-assessment workbooks are available in hard copy at USDA Service Centers within the watersheds, and electronically at www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/csp/. After completing the self-assessment producers should schedule an appointment to discuss their application with the NRCS local staff to determine if they meet specific CSP eligibility requirements.