Signup Restarts for Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP)
Farmers and landowners committed to protecting and conserving environmentally sensitive land may sign up for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) that began June 9. CRP provides incentives to producers who utilize conservation methods on environmentally-sensitive lands. For example, farmers are monetarily compensated for establishing long-term vegetative species, such as approved grasses or trees (known as "covers") to control soil erosion, improve water quality, and enhance wildlife habitat. CRP consists of a "continuous" and "general" sign-up period. In lieu of a general sign-up this year, USDA will allow producers with general CRP contracts expiring this September to have the option of a one-year contract extension. THERE IS NO GENERAL CRP SIGN-UP SCHEDULED FOR FY 2014. The opportunities available to farmers and landowners under the continuous CRP and CREP programs are practical and flexible. Many participating farmers and landowners have made a commitment to protecting natural resources by enrolling in CREP. The "enhanced" version of the national CRP program aims to improve North Carolina's water quality and wildlife habitat by offering financial incentives, cost-share and rental payments to farmers who voluntarily restore or create:
· Filter Strips, · Riparian forest buffers, · Grass and shrub buffers, · Wetlands. CREP helps producers overcome financial barriers of buffer projects and grazing systems by providing financial incentives and cost-share reimbursement for expenses; including costs for associated components such as wells, pipeline, watering troughs, and livestock crossings. CREP participants quickly realize that the program offers more than environmental benefit and peace of mind. Livestock producers see herd health benefits after excluding animals from natural water sources. A decreased instance of waterborne illness, improved rate of gain, and overall production benefits are a few. Crop producers also enjoy economic benefit from removing marginal, shaded field border from production and dedicating those acres to a conserving use. Input costs are reduced on enrolled acres and CREP also provides an annual rental payment on the acres. Producers who decide to offer acreage for enrollment in CREP will benefit from technical assistance from Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). NRCS helps CREP participants by assessing natural resources on the farm and helping to determine conservation objectives and make decisions. Offers to enroll in CRP and CREP will be accepted at all FSA offices beginning June 9. For more information on CRP and other FSA programs, visit a local FSA county office or go online to www.fsa.usda.gov. Questions?
Please contact Lorraine A. Dillard, County Executive Director, at (336) 629-4449, ext.107, lorraine.dillard@nc.usda.gov or for Farm Loans, please contact David Sharp, Senior Farm Loan Officer, at (336) 342-0460, david.sharp@nc.usda.gov | 
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