CONSERVATION CORNER
April 3, 2006
CRP Land Up For Renewal
by James L. Cummins

Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced that the USDA will begin notifying certain landowners with Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contracts expiring in 2007 that they may extend or re enroll their contracts. "Approximately 16 million acres in CRP contracts expire in 2007," said Johanns. "Fulfilling President Bush's directive to allow eligible farmers and ranchers to re enroll or extend their CRP contracts helps ensure that the quality of soil, water, air and wildlife benefits of the CRP continue for future generations."

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) county offices will begin notifying certain CRP participants by mail with expiring contracts in 2007 if they are eligible for re enrollments or 2 to 5 year extensions. Participants eligible for re enrollment will be offered a 10 or 15 year contract provided there are restored wetlands on the original land enrolled in the contract. Fifteen year contracts expiring September 30, 2007, are not eligible for extension.

The FSA used the Environmental Benefits Index (EBI) to determine eligibility for CRP re enrollments or extensions. Additional credit was considered for contracts within conservation priority areas. The EBI addresses expected benefits to water quality, erosion, enduring benefits, air quality and wildlife habitat.

Before approving a re enrollment contract or an extended contract, the FSA will review the contract to ensure that the required cover is maintained and there is compliance with other contract provisions. In addition, to be eligible, participants must be able to show that they meet eligibility requirements for the new enrollment period. In the case of re enrollments, updated rental rates will apply.

The USDA also announced that a general CRP sign up is being held this spring. Farmers and ranchers will be able to make offers for CRP's competitive general sign up from March 27, 2006, through April 14, 2006, at their local FSA offices. Offers for general sign up will be evaluated based on five environmental factors (wildlife, water, soil, air and enduring benefits) and cost.

"President Bush stated that he is committed to fully utilizing the 39.2 million acre enrollment authority under the CRP," said Johanns. "This general sign up demonstrates the administration's dedication to maintaining the CRP's environmental benefits."

The CRP is a voluntary program that helps farmers, ranchers and other agricultural producers protect their environmentally sensitive land. Producers enrolling in the CRP plant long term, resource conserving covers, with the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) providing rental payments, cost share and technical assistance. For more information on CRP, contact your local FSA office or visit the FSA Web site at: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/dafp/cepd/crp.htm.