USDA increased the minimum annual payment for agricultural producers participating in the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) from $1,500 to $4,000 starting in fiscal year 2024. The increase addresses challenges faced by small scale, underserved, and urban producers and improves equity in the program by making participation more financially beneficial for smaller operations. The new minimum payment is available for new and renewed CSP contracts.
CSP helps farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners to build on their existing conservation efforts while strengthening their operation. CSP participants earn an annual payment for five years, which enables them to achieve a greater level of conservation and stewardship benefits. Whether you are looking to improve grazing conditions, increase crop resiliency, or develop wildlife habitat, NRCS can custom design a CSP plan to help you meet those goals. CSP-IRA provides an exciting opportunity for producers to install conservation activities promoting climate-smart agriculture and forestry greenhouse gas mitigation on their agricultural operation.
“If someone is already taking steps to improve the condition of the land, chances are that CSP can help them achieve their goals,” said NRCS Texas State Conservationist Kristy Oates. “I encourage all farmers, ranchers, and forest producers who are interested in increasing the level of conservation on their operation to reach out to their local NRCS office today.”
CSP offers technical and financial assistance to help agricultural and forest producers take their conservation efforts to the next level. The program is designed to compensate agricultural and forest producers who agree to increase their level of conservation by adopting additional conservation activities while maintaining their baseline level of conservation.
Examples of CSP enhancements that are suitable for being adopted by smaller scale and urban producers include:
· Planting multi-species cover crops
· Mulching with natural materials
· Establishing pollinator habitats
· Soil health crop rotation
How to Apply
NRCS accepts producer applications for its conservation programs year-round, but producers interested in CSP should apply by Jan. 24, 2025, for consideration. Funding is provided through a competitive process and will include an opportunity to address the unmet demand from producers who have previously sought funding.
For more information about assistance available, contact your local USDA Service Center.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit usda.gov.
