USDA took another step toward improving the environment by enrolling more than 2.8 million acres during the Conservation Reserve Program’s 41st sign-up period.
This is the second consecutive year that USDA has offered a general sign-up, and with more than 38,000 offers received, the agency is close to the 32 million acre cap set for the program.
“Interest in this sign-up was high and despite the high commodity prices, I’m pleased that producers and landowners continue to voluntarily protect their most environmentally sensitive lands,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
Since its inception 25 years ago, CRP has helped reduce soil erosion by 400 million tons per year, provided natural habitats for wildlife, restored more than 2 million acres of wetlands and removed millions of tons of carbon dioxide from the air. Under CRP, farmers and ranchers plant grasses and trees in crop fields and along streams or rivers to help reduce soil erosion that may otherwise contribute to poor air and water quality, and provide valuable habitat for wildlife.
Offers for enrollment were accepted based on the Environmental Benefits Index, which is comprised of five environmental factors — wildlife enhancement, water quality, soil erosion, enduring benefits and air quality — plus cost. Proposed acreage was rated on these factors in order to qualify for the program.
Currently, there more than 748,000 CRP contracts with 31 million acres enrolled. These 10-to 15-year contracts provide long-term, enduring conservation benefits in return for an annual rental payment. Learn more.
