Overview
 
The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is a voluntary program for agricultural landowners. Through CRP, you can receive annual rental payments and cost-share assistance to establish long-term, resource conserving covers on eligible farmland.
 
The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) makes annual rental payments based on the agriculture rental value of the land, and it provides cost-share assistance for up to 50 percent of the participant's costs in establishing approved conservation practices. Participants enroll in CRP contracts for 10 to 15 years.
 
Benefits
 
CRP protects millions of acres of American topsoil from erosion and is designed to safeguard the Nation's natural resources. By reducing water runoff and sedimentation, CRP protects groundwater and helps improve the condition of lakes, rivers, ponds, and streams. Acreage enrolled in the CRP is planted to resource-conserving vegetative covers, making the program a major contributor to increased wildlife populations in many parts of the country.
 
CRP Administration
 
The Farm Service Agency (FSA) administers CRP, while technical support functions are provided by:
 

• USDA's Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)
• MN DNR Forestry
• Stearns County SWCD
• Private sector providers of technical assistance

CRP General Sign-up
 
Producers can offer land for CRP general sign-up enrollment only during designated sign-up periods. For information on upcoming sign-ups, contact your local FSA office. To find your local FSA office click here.

CRP Continuous Sign-up

Eligible lands may be offered at any time for enrollment as environmental priority practices under the continuous CRP signup (CCRP). Environmental priority practices include filter strips, buffer strips, windbreaks, and wetland restorations.

The Silver Lining - 25 Years of the Conservation Reserve Program

A look at the history of USDA's The Conservation Reserve Program and how the program has played a major role in helping improve the lands, soil and water quality throughout the years.