Staff Reports
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service would like to remind those interested in consideration for enrollment into the Conservation Stewardship Program that applications must be submitted to the local NRCS field office by Jan. 24, 2025, for the CSP Classic and CSP-Inflation Reduction Act sign up.
The USDA increased the minimum annual payment for agricultural producers participating in 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 provides support to agricultural and forest producers to enhance their conservation practices, offering both technical and financial assistance to help them implement more comprehensive conservation strategies.
By participating in the program, producers may receive compensation for adopting additional conservation activities while maintaining their existing conservation efforts.
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 through their local NRCS field office 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.
Applications received after Jan. 24, 2025, will be considered during future CSP application sign ups.
For more information about assistance available, contact your local USDA Service Center.
