USDA extends signup for Conservation Reserve Program

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The USDA has extended the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) General Signup period, which had previously been set to end Feb. 12.

The agency stated in a Feb. 5 announcement that it will continue to accept offers as the Biden Administration evaluates ways to increase enrollment.

Under the previous administration, incentives and rental payment rates for CRP were reduced, resulting in what was deemed an enrollment shortfall of more than four million acres.

The program, administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), provides annual rental payments for 10 to 15 years for land devoted to conservation purposes, as well as other types of payments.

Before the CRP General Signup period ends, producers may adjust or resubmit their offers to take advantage of planned improvements to the program.

“The Conservation Reserve Program provides a tremendous opportunity to address climate change both by retiring marginal cropland and by restoring grasslands, wetlands, and forests,” said Robert Bonnie, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Secretary. “CRP has a 35-year track record of success beyond just climate benefits, by providing income to producers, improving water quality, reducing erosion, and supporting wildlife habitat and the hunting and fishing opportunities that go along with it. By extending this signup period, we’ll have time to evaluate and implement changes to get this neglected program back on track.”

This signup for CRP gives producers an opportunity to enroll land for the first time or re-enroll land under existing contracts to expire Sept. 30 of this year.

All interested producers, including those with trust lands, are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center for more information.