The USDA Opens Enrollment for Conservation Reserve Program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is reminding Ag producers that the deadline to enroll in the Conservation Reserve Program is February 28th, 2020.

This year’s enrollment is available to farmers and private landowners who are both either enrolling for the first time or re-enrolling for another 10- to 15-year term. This is the first opportunity for general sign up since 2016.

Farmers and ranchers who enroll in CRP receive yearly rental payments for establishing long-term, resource-conserving plant species, such as approved grasses or trees that can control soil erosion, improve water quality and develop wildlife habitat.

CRP has 22 million acres enrolled, but the 2018 Farm Bill lifted the cap to 27 million acres. To enroll in CRP, contact your local FSA county office or visit fsa.usda.gov/crp.