CSP SIGN-UP EXTENDED TO MAY 30 IN SANDUSKY WATERSHED

Contact: Christina Coulon, 614-255-2471

COLUMBUS, May 9, 2008 – The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) recently announced an extension of the deadline to apply for the Conservation Security Program (CSP) to Friday, May 30, 2008. Farmers in Ohio’s Sandusky Watershed, encompassing eleven counties in northern Ohio, are encouraged to take advantage of this extension.

“NRCS realizes the difficulty farmers may have taking time from field work to go through the application process for CSP,” states Terry Cosby, NRCS State Conservationist. “This extension will allow two additional weeks to gather the proper documentation and make an appointment for an interview with the NRCS staff.”

CSP, a voluntary program, encourages and rewards producers who practice outstanding stewardship on working agricultural land by offering financial incentives that increase with the level of conservation effort. In the Sandusky Watershed, the average farm practicing the highest level of conservation could qualify for payments as high as $15,000 per year for a 5-year period. Payments may be more or less depending on farm size and may be subject to annual enhancement and contract payment caps.

This may be the only CSP sign-up for many years available to farmers in the Sandusky Watershed. As outlined in the 2002 Farm Bill, CSP is offered on a rotational basis nationwide, with all watersheds in the country scheduled to offer the program at some point in an eight year time frame, beginning with 2004. Cosby urges farmers to consider applying for CSP stating, “We don’t know what will be happening with this next farm bill and don’t want farmers to miss out on the rewards for their good conservation efforts.”

To learn more about CSP visit http://www.oh.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/csp_2/csp_home_2008.html or contact your local USDA Service Center.

#
 

#

 

< Back to News Releases