NCGA Reminds Growers of CSP Sign-up Period Deadline of March 31 (3-27-06)

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is reminding corn growers that this is the final week to sign-up for the 2006 Conservation Security Program and is encouraging those growers in an eligible watershed to apply for the program, complimenting the on-going stewardship of their lands. The sign-up period is Feb. 13-March 31.

“Corn growers have always practiced sound conservation practices to keep their land productive, and the CSP provides incentives to producers who do just that,” said Bill Chase, NCGA Production and Stewardship Action Team chairman. “We continue to encourage our members to participate in programs and practices that aid our natural resources to leave this land better for the next generation.”

CSP is a voluntary conservation program that supports ongoing stewardship of private agricultural lands by providing payments for maintaining and enhancing natural resources.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) preliminarily selected 110 watersheds for fiscal year 2006 based on President George W. Bush’s budget request. Available funding trimmed the number to 60 watersheds across all 50 states, Guam and the Caribbean. This sign-up period only includes those producers who do not have an existing CSP contract.

To sign up, growers must fill out a self-assessment to determine if they meet the basic qualifications for CSP. Workbooks are available at USDA Service Centers within the watersheds and electronically at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/csp/.

After completing the self-assessment, growers discuss their application with local Natural Resources Conservation Service staff to determine eligibility requirements.