Press Release
☷USDA Accepts 2 Million Acres in Offers Through Conservation Reserve Program General Signup
U.S. Department of Agriculture ( By Press Release office)
May 03,2022
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WASHINGTON , May 3 , 2022 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the U . S . Department of Agriculture ( USDA ) is accepting more than 2 million acres in offers from agricultural producers and landowners through the Conservation Reserve Program ( CRP ) General signup , the first of the program’s multiple signups occurring in 2022 . With about 3 . 4 million acres expiring this year , Vilsack encourages producers and landowners to consider the Grassland and Continuous signups , both of which are currently open . “Our conservation programs are voluntary , and at the end of the day , producers are making market - based decisions as the program was designed to allow and encourages , ” Vilsack said . “We recognize the Conservation Reserve Program is an important tool in helping mitigate climate change and conserve natural resources , and this announcement is just the first opportunity for producers to take advantage of the program . Producers are still looking at options under the working - lands Grassland Conservation Reserve Program , the more targeted buffer - type practices under Continuous CRP , and partnership opportunities through the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program ( CREP ) . For farmers who have decided to return all or a portion of their land into production agriculture , USDA will also be reaching out to ensure they understand and can take advantage of options to either prepare the land for production or transition it to beginning farmers . ”Producers submitted re - enrollment offers for just over half of expiring acres , similar to the rate in 2021 . Offers for new land under General CRP were considerably lower compared to last year’s numbers , with fewer than 400 , 000 acres being offered this year versus over 700 , 000 acres offered last year . It is important to note that submitting and accepting a CRP offer is the start of the process , and producers still need to develop a conservation plan before enrolling their land on October 1 , 2022 . Each year , during the window between offer acceptance and land enrollment , some producers change their mind and ultimately decide not to enroll some accepted acres without penalty . The three other types of CRP—Grasslands , Continuous , and CREP—are still available for either working - lands or targeted , often smaller sub - field , offers . Producers have submitted offers on nearly 260 , 000 acres through the Continuous and CREP signup so far this year . The Grassland signup – which last year had its highest participation ever – closes May 13 , 2022 . General CRP SignupThe General CRP Signup 58 ran from Jan . 31 to March 11 , 2022 . Through CRP , producers and landowners establish long - term , resource - conserving plant species , such as approved grasses or trees , to control soil erosion , improve soil health and water quality , and enhance wildlife habitat on agricultural land . In addition to the other well - documented benefits , lands enrolled in CRP are playing a key role in climate change mitigation efforts across the country . In 2021 , FSA introduced improvements to the program , which included a new Climate - Smart Practice Incentive to increase carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions . This incentive provides a 3% , 5% or 10% incentive payment based on the predominant vegetation type for the practices enrolled – from grasses to trees to wetland restoration . More InformationWhile the General Signup is closed , producers and landowners can still apply for the Continuous and Grassland signups by contacting their local USDA Service Center . Signed into law in 1985 , CRP is one of the largest voluntary private - lands conservation programs in the United States . It was originally intended to primarily control soil erosion and potentially stabilize commodity prices by taking marginal lands out of production . The program has evolved over the years , providing many conservation and economic benefits . Learn more at fsa . usda . gov/crp . USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways . Under the Biden - Harris Administration , USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production , fairer markets for all producers , ensuring access to safe , healthy and nutritious food in all communities , building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices , making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America , and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America . To learn more , visit www . usda . gov . #USDA is an equal opportunity provider , employer , and lender .
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