In a release from USDA, the NRCS is seeking public comments on the new CSP program that is designed to encourage agricultural and forestry producers to maintain existing practices and add additional practices. To view the press release, click here. The comment period is open for 60 days, and all comments must be submitted on or before Sept. 28, 2009.
For information on how to submit comments, click here to visit NRCS or click here to visit the Federal Register. Type in “Conservation Security Program” in the Quick Search box.
According to the press release,
[u]nder the Conservation Stewardship Program, potential applicants are encouraged to use a self-screening checklist first to determine whether the new program is suitable for them or their operation. The checklist highlights basic information about Conservation Stewardship Program eligibility requirements, contract obligations and potential payments. It is available on NRCS Web sites and at NRCS field offices... The Conservation Stewardship Program has an annual payment limitation of $40,000, and contracts must cover the eligible land in the entire operation. A person or legal entity cannot exceed $200,000 for all contracts entered into during any five-year period. Contracts can be renewed for an additional five years under specific criteria.Posted: 07/31/09
The new program will offer two types of payments-annual and supplemental. A Conservation Stewardship Program participant's annual payment will be determined by estimating conservation performance improvements using the CMT and computing it by land use type for enrolled eligible land. An additional supplemental payment is also available to approved program participants who agree to adopt a resource-conserving crop rotation, such as the addition of alfalfa to a small grain, row crop rotation.
