USDA Opens 2005 Conservation Security Program Sign-Up

At least 40,000 Iowa farmers among those possibly eligible for first nationwide program

DES MOINES, IOWA, March 17, 2005—At least 40,000 farmers in six Iowa watersheds are among those invited to participate in the first national sign up of the historic new Conservation Security Program (CSP). This includes producers in two Iowa watersheds first included in the 2004 CSP pilot sign-up program. The 2005 sign up will be available from March 28 to May 27.

“CSP is a whole new direction in the history of USDA conservation programs,” said Rick Van Klaveren, State Conservationist in Iowa.  “While conservation incentive programs and technical assistance to farmers and ranchers date back to the Dust Bowl days of the 1930s, CSP represents the first time agricultural producers are being paid not just to fix a problem but in recognition of their ongoing stewardship and to maintain and further enhance that conservation commitment.”

The 2005 CSP signup involves nearly one-half of all Iowa’s 99 counties. It includes the following watersheds: North Raccoon, Turkey, Upper Wapsipinicon, Platte, East Nishnabotna and Blue Earth watersheds. Maps of each watershed can be found at www.ia.nrcs.usda.gov/csp. 

Nationally, CSP is being made available on private agricultural land in 220 watersheds, covering about 185 million acres, in every state and the Caribbean. The national $202 million budget will allow NRCS to offer an estimated 12,000 to 14,000 contracts to eligible farmers and ranchers. 

To prepare agricultural producers for this historical new program, Van Klaveren says, Iowa NRCS has held workshops across eligible watershed areas.  “We hope most of the potentially eligible producers interested in CSP have had a chance to attend a workshop and get a first hand explanation of the new goals and requirements associated with the program.”

The workshops explain that CSP offers three levels or tiers of participation, depending on the amount of the farm enrolled and the current level of documented conservation. Payments will be made based on this tier level as well as the producer’s agreement to do additional practices to further enhance the environment. Tier I contracts (covering part of a farming operation) run for five years while Tier II and III contracts (covering all of a farming operation) can extend for 10 years. 

“All successful applications begin with demonstrated protection of soil and water quality,” says Van Klaveren. “This would typically mean managing a farm using a mix of practices such as conservation tillage, pest and nutrient management, crop rotation, cover crops and vegetation buffers.” However he says that most CSP participants will go beyond the minimum and work to further enhance soil and water, improve wildlife habitat, or conserve or produce on-farm energy.

Payments will vary depending on the land use (e.g. cropland and rangeland/pastureland), the amount of land enrolled, the tier level and the enhancements undertaken. One-time payments for new practices can also be included in a contract.

To apply, interested applicants should first do a self-assessment of their farming operation. These are available at workshops or can be obtained in hard copy or CD version from USDA Service Centers in watershed areas. Additionally, the self-assessment and other program information may be accessed at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/csp. 

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For more information:
Laura Greiner, State Public Affairs Specialist
515-323-2207