Natural Resources Conservation Stewardship Program
November 17, 2010
The current enrollment period for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) offered through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has been extended through January 7, 2011.
NRCS EXTENDS CONSERVATION STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM
Submitted by: Natural Resources Conservation Service and Patrick SWCD
The current enrollment period for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) offered through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has been extended through January 7, 2011.
This is a great opportunity available to all Virginia farmers and forestry producers regardless of operation size, crops produced, or geographic location," says State Conservationist Jack Bricker. "With CSP, you can get credit for conservation measures you've already implemented and for new measures you agree to add. In 2010, Virginia obligated $3.3 million in CSP contracts with landowners."
Authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill, CSP is a voluntary program that offers payments to producers who exercise good land stewardship and want to improve their conservation performance. Changes to the program expand access, increase payment limits, and promote greater environmental benefits while maintaining program goals.
CSP is offered in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Pacific and Caribbean areas through continuous sign-up, with announced cut-off dates for ranking and funding applications. Eligible lands include cropland, pastureland and non-industrial private forest land.
Potential applicants are encouraged to use the CSP self-screening checklist to determine whether CSP is suitable for their operations. The checklist, which highlights basic information about CSP eligibility requirements, contract obligations, and payments, and additional information about CSP, may be obtained from the national CSP Web site at www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/new_csp/csp.html.
To apply, visit your local USDA Service Center, located on Stonewall Court in Stuart behind Stuart Baptist Church or call their office to set up a field visit at 276-694-3121.
