The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is once again accepting applications for its Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).
The CRP general enrollment period kicked off Dec. 1 and ends Feb. 26, 2016.
This month also marks the 30th anniversary of the program that helps farmers and ranchers with the cost of restoring, enhancing and protecting certain grasses, shrubs and trees to improve water quality, prevent soil erosion and reduce loss of wildlife habitat.
“Over the past 30 years, farmers, ranchers, conservationists, hunters, fishermen and other outdoor enthusiasts have made CRP one of the most successful conservation programs in the history of the country,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. “CRP continues to make major environmental improvements to water and air quality. This is another longstanding example of how agricultural production can work hand in hand with efforts to improve the environment and increase wildlife habitat.”
As of September, 24.2 million acres were enrolled in CRP.
Additional information about CRP and how to sign up can be found at: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/conservation.