Conservation program sign-up upcoming

LIMA — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will hold the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) general signup from March 12 through April 6. CRP is a voluntary program that helps agricultural producers use environmentally sensitive land for conservation benefits.

Producers enrolled in CRP plant long-term, resource-conserving covers to control soil erosion, improve water and air quality and develop wildlife habitat. In return, FSA provides participants with rental payments and cost-share assistance. Contract duration is between 10 to 15 years. Accepted contracts will begin on October 1.

To be eligible for placement in general signup CRP, land must be cropland (including field margins) that is planted or considered planted to an agricultural commodity four of the six crop years from 2002 to 2007, and be physically and legally capable of being planted (no planting restrictions due to an easement or other legally binding instrument) in a normal manner to an agricultural commodity.  Offers will receive a (EBI) Environmental Benefit Index score based on six factors; wildlife, water quality benefits, erosion factors, enduring benefits, air quality and cost.  EBI scores will be the determining factor of whether eligible offers are accepted.

To hear more about the CRP program or to learn how to increase one’s EBI score, contact the local FSA office or Ted Welsh, Pheasants Forever Farm Bill wildlife biologist, at 419.439.8858.