NCGA Reminds Growers of CRP Sign-Up Extension (4-14-06)

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) reminds growers that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has extended the sign-up period for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and the special CRP re-enrollment and extension opportunities through April 28. The original deadline was April 14.

“NCGA producers have always been devoted stewards of the land, and we support conservation programs like CRP,” said Bill Chase, chairman of NCGA’s Production and Stewardship Action Team. “CRP gives producers the opportunity to improve the soil, water sources, air quality and wildlife habitats.”

After growers submit their forms, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will evaluate offers based on cost and the Environmental Benefits Index (EBI) factors of wildlife, water, soil, air and enduring benefits. Accepted offers will become effective Oct. 1.

In addition to the sign-up period, current CRP participants with contracts expiring Sept. 30, 2007, now have until April 28 to apply for special re-enrollment or extension opportunities offered by FSA. Participants ranking in the EBI's top one-fifth can re-enroll their land in a new 10-year contract. For lands with restored wetlands, FSA offered the opportunity for a new 15-year contract. FSA offered the second one-fifth group the opportunity for a five-year extension; the third one-fifth a four-year extension; the fourth one-fifth a three-year extension; and the remaining participants a two-year extension.

CRP participants voluntarily enroll highly erodible and other fragile cropland in CRP through long-term contracts of 10 to 15 years. On the enrolled land, participants plant grasses, trees and other vegetation. In exchange, participants receive annual rental payments and a payment of up to 50 percent of the cost of establishing conservation covers. There are 36 million acres enrolled in CRP.

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.