USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) extended the deadline for new enrollments in the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) today; producers can now apply for program participation through Feb. 7, 2014 to be eligible for Fiscal Year 2014.
Local NRCS offices accept CSP applications year round, but NRCS evaluates applications during announced ranking periods. To be eligible for this year’s enrollment, producers must have their applications submitted to NRCS by the Feb. 7 closing date.
NRCS provides a CSP self-screening checklist that highlights basic information about CSP eligibility requirements, stewardship threshold requirements and payment types. This can help producers determine whether the program is well-suited for their operations.
CSP has been in existence for five years and thus far producers have enrolled more than 59 million acres in the program. The program emphasizes conservation performance -- producers earn higher payments for higher performance. In CSP, producers install conservation enhancements to make positive changes in soil quality, soil erosion, water quality, water quantity, air quality, plant resources, animal resources and energy use.
To learn more about CSP, visit the NRCS website or stop by any local USDA service center.
