Klobuchar, Smith Urge Farmers to Sign Up for the Conservation Reserve Program

WASHINGTON, D.C. [01/28/22]—U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (Both D-Minn.), members of the Senate Agriculture Committee, are reminding Minnesota agricultural producers and landowners to enroll in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Applications will be accepted from January 31 to March 11 for the General CRP and from April 4 to May 13 for the Grassland CRP.

“The Conservation Reserve Program protects critical natural resources and provides economic benefits for our rural communities,” Klobuchar said. “I have worked to increase the number of acres in CRP so farmers and landowners can continue to access the tools necessary to conserve and improve soil, water quality, and wildlife habitat. I encourage farmers and landowners to contact their local Farm Service Agency office to enroll.”

“The Conservation Reserve Program has long provided economic benefits to Minnesota farmers and ranchers who have taken important steps to protect Minnesota’s natural resources through improvements to water quality, soil health, wildlife habitat and more,” said Senator Smith. “I encourage interested producers to contact their local USDA offices during the sign-up periods.”

Throughout her time in Congress, Senator Smith has lead efforts to create and expand conservation programs, including CRP. In 2020, Senator Smith successfully pushed the USDA to increase CRP incentive payments and help more producers participate

CRP offers payment rates and other incentives to address climate change and achieve natural resource benefits. General CRP enables producers and landowners to establish resource-conserving plant species to control soil erosion, improve water quality and enhance wildlife habitat on cropland. Grassland CRP is a working lands program, helping landowners and operators protect grassland, including rangeland and pastureland and certain other lands, while maintaining the areas as working grazing lands.

Through CRP, farmers and ranchers establish long-term, resource-conserving plant species, such as approved grasses or trees, to control soil erosion, improve water quality and enhance wildlife habitat on cropland. Farmers and ranchers who participate in CRP help provide numerous benefits to their local environment and economy.

Producers and landowners interested in applying can contact their local USDA Service Center. Fact sheets and other resources are available here. 

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