Conservation Stewardship Program participants can renew contracts

Renee Bodine

NRCS

Public Affairs Florida

Desk 352.338.9565

Cell 352.514.8292

 

First Conservation Stewardship Program Participates Can Renew

Ag producers can extend contracts for five years July 11-Sept. 12

 

Gainesville, FL., June 24, 2014 – The first participants of the Conservation Stewardship Program have from July 11 until Sept. 12 to renew their contracts and make decisions on additional conservation activities that will benefit priority natural resource issues.

 

This Natural Resources Conservation Service program pays agricultural producers for conservation performance.  About 20,000 CSP contracts nationally are reaching the end of their initial five-year contract period and may be renewed for an additional five years where participants agree to take additional conservation measures.

The program provides opportunities for farmers and ranchers who are already established conservation stewards, helping them improve water quality, soil health and wildlife habitat.

“CSP farmers go the extra mile to conserve our nation’s resources,” said NRCS State Conservationist Russell Morgan. “The 2014 Farm Bill continued that strong commitment and heightened the program’s focus on generating conservation benefits.”

 

Since CSP began in 2009, more than 58 million acres have been enrolled in the program – an area the size of Indiana and Wisconsin combined.  CSP participants boost their operations’ conservation benefits by installing conservation activities that make positive changes in soil, water, air and wildlife habitat.  “This program opens the door to trying new conservation activities,” Morgan said.

 

To learn about technical and financial assistance available through CSP, visit your local NRCS field office or go to Getting Started with NRCS.