Mar 17, 2015
WASHINGTON, DC -- Eligible agricultural producers and forest landowners who wish to renew expiring Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) contracts must have their renewals completed by Tuesday, March 31, 2015. The renewal process is optional but benefits CSP participants with expiring contracts because it is non-competitive.
In order to renew, an agricultural producer or forest landowner must meet the minimum criteria established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Contract renewal also offers these agricultural producers and forest landowners an opportunity to add new conservation activities to meet their conservation goals and protect the natural resources on their farms, forests or ranches.
The 2014 Farm Bill includes an expanded conservation activity list that offers producers more options to address natural resource challenges. New conservation activities include cover crops, intensive rotational grazing and wildlife-friendly fencing.
NRCS Chief Jason Weller said, "CSP producers are established conservation leaders who work hard at enhancing natural resources on private lands. This contract renewal period will provide greater opportunities for these conservation stewards to voluntarily do even more to improve water, air and soil quality and enhance wildlife habitat on their operations."
Contact: Ben Mosely (703) 236-1471