Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)

The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA), is a voluntary program that encourages farmers and landowners to convert highly erodible and other environmentally sensitive acreage to vegetative cover, such as native grasses, trees, and riparian buffers. By enrolling in CRP, participants receive annual rental payments and cost-share assistance to establish long-term, resource-conserving covers. The program helps to improve water quality, control soil erosion, and enhance wildlife habitat, contributing to overall environmental health and sustainability.

Program Features:

• Enrollment Options:
  • General Signup: Periodic signups where offers are ranked and selected based on environmental benefits.
  • Continuous Signup: Allows producers to enroll eligible land at any time without waiting for a specific signup period. This includes high-priority practices like filter strips, riparian buffers, and grass waterways.
  • Grasslands CRP: Focuses on preserving grasslands and promoting sustainable grazing practices.
• Payments: Participants receive annual rental payments based on soil productivity and the average rental rates in the county. Cost-share assistance is also available for up to 50% of the cost of establishing approved conservation practices.
• Contract Duration: CRP contracts are typically 10 to 15 years in length, allowing time for significant environmental benefits to accrue.

Additional CRP Benefits:

• Environmental Improvements: CRP helps reduce soil erosion, improve water quality, and increase wildlife habitat, contributing to the overall health of ecosystems.
• Economic Support: Annual rental payments provide a steady income stream for participants, helping to stabilize farm income.
• Climate Change Mitigation: By sequestering carbon and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, CRP plays a role in addressing climate change.

How to Enroll: To apply for the Conservation Reserve Program, producers and landowners must submit an offer to their local FSA office. The offer process includes providing information about the land, conservation goals, and the desired conservation practices. Detailed enrollment instructions and deadlines are available through the local FSA office or the official USDA website.

Eligibility: Eligible applicants include farmers and landowners with environmentally sensitive land that meets specific criteria related to cropping history and environmental characteristics. Applicants must demonstrate the potential for significant environmental benefits through the implementation of conservation practices.

Official Program Page

CRP Fact Sheet