Rolnictwo i rynki · 10.08.2004

Conservation Reserve Program-Long-Term Policy

The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) has provided significant environmental benefits across the nation, primarily by providing wildlife habitat, improving stream quality, and reducing soil erosion. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is committed to full enrollment of CRP up to the authorized level of 39.2 million acres. To ensure that the environmental benefits of CRP continue, and because of the significant acreage expirations beginning in 2007, the Department will offer early re-enrollments and extensions of existing contracts to current CRP participants. Between September 30, 2007, and 2010, CRP contracts for more than 28.7 million acres are scheduled to expire. The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (2002 Act) authorizes CRP enrollment of up to 39.2 million acres under rental agreements of 10 to 15 years. The expected contract expirations and re-enrollment or replacement of the expiring acreage represent a management challenge concerning: (1) CRP environmental objectives; (2) USDA staffing needs; and (3) technical service provider resources. The purpose of this notice is to: (1) Describe the Department's commitment to full enrollment of CRP by offering earl