Source:  Press Release, 11/4/10

It’s the gift of more time for farmers interested in the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).  The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has extended the deadline for producers interested in CSP to January 7th.

JB Martin Jr., NRCS State Conservationist for North Carolina, encourages interested farmers to apply early to be considered during the funding cycle. “We want to encourage farmers who are practicing good conservation to take advantage of this great program,” said Martin.  “The program offers payments to producers who maintain a high level of conservation on their lands and helps the producer to extend their conservation efforts.”

CSP is a voluntary program that encourages good conservation on farm and forest land. The program is open to all farmers nationwide, regardless of size or type of operation. Eligible lands include cropland, pastureland, non-industrial private forestland, and tribal agricultural lands.

Although CSP is a continuous signup program, producers must apply by January 7, 2011, to be considered for the 2011 CSP funding cycle.

In North Carolina, 167 farmers were approved for CSP funding in 2010.  The average payment this year is $6300 per contract per year.  Contracts run for five years.

Potential participants can use a self-screening checklist first to determine whether the new program is suitable for them or their operation. The checklist and application form is available online at www.nc.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/CSP/index.html and at NRCS field offices. Farmers will need to document their current and proposed conservation practices which will be used to rank applications and determine payments.  NRCS field staff will also conduct on-site field verifications of applicants' information.  

For more information, visit www.nc.nrcs.usda.gov , or contact the NRCS office at the USDA Service Center serving your county.