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The 2018 Farm Bill made several changes to this
critical conservation program, which helps agricultural
producers take the conservation activities on their farm to the
next level. “CSP continues to be a very effective tool for
private landowners working to achieve their conservation and
management goals,” said Ivan Dozier, NRCS State Conservationist
in Illinois.
While applications are accepted throughout the year, interested
producers should submit applications to their local NRCS office
by May 29, 2020, to ensure their applications are considered for
2020 funding.
Changes to the Program
The 2018 Farm Bill authorizes NRCS to obligate new CSP contracts
from now until 2023, while making some important improvements to
the program.
These updates include:
· NRCS now enrolls eligible, high-ranking applications based on
available dollars rather than acres. For fiscal year 2020,
Illinois NRCS can spend up to $10 million for new CSP contracts,
which covers part of the cost for producers to implement new
conservation activities and maintain their existing activities
for the five-year contract period.
· Higher payment rates are now available for certain
conservation activities, including cover crops and supplemental
payments for resource-conserving crop rotations and advanced
grazing management systems.
· CSP now provides specific support for activities on organic
operations and those transitioning to organic production.
About the Program
CSP is offered in Illinois through a continuous sign-up. The
program provides many benefits including increased crop yields,
decreased inputs, wildlife habitat improvements, and increased
resilience to weather extremes. CSP is for working lands,
including cropland, pastureland, and nonindustrial private
forest land.
More Information
For additional information about CSP, contact your local USDA
service center. Due to the evolving COVID-19 situation,
producers may set up phone appointments with their local NRCS
office if they have any questions or need information.
[Paige Buck
Public Affairs Officer
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service]
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