United States Department of Agriculture
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Grassland Reserve Program

GRP easement applications received by January 29, 2010 will be ranked for funding in 2010.  GRP rental applications received by February 12, 2010 will be ranked for funding in 2010.

Ohio Grassland LandscapeNews Release - 2010 GRASSLAND RESERVE PROGRAM SIGN-UP DEADLINE ANNOUNCED

The purpose of GRP is to assist landowners and operators to protect grazing uses and related conservation values by conserving and restoring grassland resources on eligible private lands through rental contracts, easements, and restoration agreements. GRP emphasizes:

  • Supporting grazing operations;
  • Maintaining and improving plant and animal biodiversity; and
  • Protecting grasslands and shrublands from the threat of conversion to uses other than grazing.

Priority for GRP must also be given to land expiring from CRP at the end of this fiscal year. Ohio is expected to receive $857,825 for fiscal year 2010 GRP contracts. Sixty percent (60%) of the funds are to be used for GRP permanent easements and the balance for rental contracts of either 10, 15, or 20 years.

Land Eligibility

Eligible land includes privately owned grasslands; land that contains forbs (including improved rangeland and pastureland or shrub land) for which grazing is the predominant use; or land that is located in an area that historically has been dominated by grassland, forbs, or shrub land that has the potential to serve as wildlife habitat of significant ecological value.

Participant Eligibility

To be eligible for GRP an applicant must be:

  • a landowner for permanent easement participation, or
  • have control of the eligible acres offered for 10, 15, or 20 year contract participation

In addition the participant must agree to provide such information to USDA that is necessary for determining eligibility for program benefits. The participant will be required to meet adjusted gross income and conservation compliance requirements.

Enrollment Options

The Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) offers several enrollment options:

  • Permanent Easements. USDA makes a payment based on the fair market value of the property less the grazing value.
  • Rental Contracts. 10, 15, or 20-year duration. USDA pays 75 percent of the grazing value in annual payments for the length of the agreement.

Program Signup Information

For program sign-up information, contact your USDA-NRCS office.  A list of offices is provided under "Contact Us" on this website.

Additional Information

National GRP website

Available in Adobe Acrobat format.

GRP Fact Sheet (PDF, 48 Kb)
GRP Rental Rates (PDF, 28 Kb)
GRP Easement Costs (PDF, 381 Kb)

Program Contact

John Armentano, Program Manager
514-255-2469

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