USDA Announces CRP Signup Beginning March 27
Land not yet in the program, or CRP contracts expiring Sept. 2006 may submit signup offers.
Compiled by staff
Published: Mar 22, 2006
USDA's Farm Service Agency will hold the 33rd Conservation Reserve Program enrollment signup in all county offices nationwide from March 27 through April 14. Land not yet enrolled in the program, as well as land with CRP contracts expiring Sept. 30, 2006 may submit signup offers.
To submit offers, farmers should visit the local FSA office. To be eligible, the farmer must have owned or operated the land for at least 12 months prior to the end of the designated CRP signup period. CRP land must be cropland planted or considered planted to an ag crop in four of the last six crop years from 1996 to 2001.
The land will also have to meet specific criteria to be eligible. The land must:
- have a weighted average erosion index of 8 or higher
- be expiring CRP acreage
- be located in a national or state conservation priority area
FSA will rank offers for CRP signup according to the Environmental Benefits Index, which are based on the indices for the acres offered. After the signup ends, national CRP officials will determine EBI thresholds for accepting CRP offers for participation. Producers may request information from FSA on ways to maximize EBI points to boost the likelihood that their offer can be accepted.
Accepted CRP participants earn annual rental payments, including certain incentive payments and cost-share assistance. CRP is a voluntary program helping producers safeguard environmentally sensitive land. CRP producers plant long-term resource conserving cover crops to control erosion, improve water and air quality and enhance wildlife habitat.
Contract periods can last from 10 to 15 years. For more information, contact your local FSA office.
Permalink: Click here
Tagged: CRP, FSA, farm, usda, Farm Service Agency
|