Sign-Up for CRP Program Ends February 12

Joel Foster, executive director of Grant County FSA, reminds agricultural producers and private landowners that February 12 is the deadline to sign up for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). The program, administered by the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), provides annual rental payments for land devoted to conservation purpose.

During CRP, farmers and ranchers establish long-term, resource-conserving plant species— such as approved grasses or trees —to control soil erosion, improve water quality, and enhance wildlife habitat on cropland. 

CRP general sign-up is held annually and is competitive. FSA will rank offers for the CRP general enrollment period according to the Environmental Benefits Index (EBI).  FSA collects data primarily based on location, soils information, and selected conservation practices to determine the environmental indices for the land offered. After the enrollment period ends, the Secretary of Agriculture decides the EBI cutoff. 

Cropland offered must have been planted for four out of six crop years from 2012 to 2017. Additionally, producers with land already enrolled but expiring on September 30, 2021, can re-enroll this year. The acreage offered by producers and landowners is evaluated competitively via the EBI. Accepted offers begin October 1, 2021.