COCHRAN NOTES MARCH 14 OPENING FOR NEW
USDA CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM APPLICATIONS

Eligible Mississippi Farmers Can Set Aside Acreage for Conservation Purposes

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today encouraged agriculture producers in Mississippi to consider whether to enroll in a U.S. Department of Agriculture program that sets aside some farmland for wildlife habitat and other environmental improvements.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Monday will initiate a one-month general sign-up period for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), which allows agriculture and livestock producers to voluntarily agree to set aside environmentally sensitive land for conservation purposes.  In exchange, selected participants receive rental payments, as well as cost-share and technical assistance.

Sign-up for applicants begins March 14 and extends through April 15 through county Farm Service Agency offices.  Approved contracts associated with this sign-up are scheduled to become effective Oct.1, 2011.

“The Conservation Reserve Program is one of the voluntary, incentive-based programs that allows landowners to improve their lands for conservation, environmental enhancement and wildlife habitat,” Cochran said.  “This program is popular in Mississippi, where thousands of acres have been set aside.  Interested farmers and ranchers should consider applying to enroll qualified areas in this program.”

As part of the CRP program, producers agree to plant resource-conserving vegetation on enrolled acreage.  According to the USDA, the program is intended to help reduce water runoff and sedimentation, improve the condition of groundwater, lakes, ponds and streams, and increase wildlife habitat.

Created in 1985, the CRP program in Mississippi has been utilized to restore native grasslands throughout the state.  The program is also coordinated with state agriculture and conservation organizations to improve habitats for some species including the Bobwhite quail.  In FY2009, Mississippi farmers, ranchers and other agriculture producers received $39.9 million through CRP.

In addition to this general sign-up, the CRP’s continuous acres sign-up program will be going.  According to the USDA, continuous acres “represent the most environmentally desirable and sensitive land.”

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