Applications for Conservation Stewardship Program due Jan. 17

  Popular  Farm Bill conservation program seeks producer participation

 WASHINGTON,  Dec. 2, 2013
– The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service  (NRCS) is opening the Conservation  Stewardship Program (CSP) for new enrollments for federal fiscal  year 2014. Starting today through Jan. 17, 2014, producers interested in  participating in the program can submit applications to  NRCS.

 “Through  the Conservation Stewardship Program, farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners are going the extra mile to conserve our nation’s resources,” NRCS Chief Jason  Weller said. “Through their conservation actions, they are ensuring that their operations are more productive and sustainable over the long  run.”

 The  CSP is an important Farm Bill conservation program that helps established  conservation stewards with taking their level of natural resource management to the next level to improve both their agricultural production and provide
valuable conservation benefits such as cleaner and more abundant water, as well as healthier soils and better wildlife habitat.

 Weller said today's announcement is another example of USDA's comprehensive focus on promoting environmental conservation and strengthening the rural economy, and it  is a reminder that a new Food, Farm and Jobs Bill is pivotal to continue these efforts. CSP is now in its fifth year and so far, NRCS has partnered with
producers to enroll more than 59 million acres across the nation.

 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.

 Some  popular enhancements used by farmers and ranchers include:
• Using new  nozzles that reduce the drift of pesticides, lowering input costs and making sure pesticides are used where they are most needed;
• Modifying water facilities to prevent bats and bird species from being trapped;
• Burning patches of land, mimicking prairie fires to enhance wildlife habitat; and
• Rotating feeding areas and monitoring key grazing areas to improve grazing management.

 Eligible landowners and operators in all states and territories can enroll in CSP through January 17th to be eligible during the 2014 federal fiscal year. While local NRCS offices accept CSP applications year round, 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 closing date.

 A CSP self-screening checklist is available to help producers determine if the program  is suitable for their operation. The checklist highlights basic information about CSP eligibility requirements, stewardship threshold requirements and payment types.
 Learn  more about CSP by visiting the NRCS website or a local NRCS field office.

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