CRP Enrollment Extended

April 14, 2006 -- Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced on Thursday an extension of the sign-up deadlines for both the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and the special CRP re-enrollment and extension opportunities until April 28, 2006. The deadline for both opportunities was originally April 14, 2006.

After the CRP general sign-up ends on April 28, Farm Service Agencies (FSA) will evaluate offers based on cost and the Environmental Benefits Index (EBI) factors of wildlife, water, soil, air and enduring benefits.  Accepted offers will become effective Oct. 1, 2006.

In addition, subject to a compliance review, CRP participants with contracts expiring on Sept. 30, 2007, now have until April 28 to apply for special re-enrollment or extension opportunities offered by FSA.  Participants ranking in the EBI's top one-fifth can re-enroll their land in a new 10-year contract.  For lands with restored wetlands, FSA offered the opportunity for a new 15-year contract.  FSA offered the second one-fifth group the opportunity for a 5-year extension; the third one-fifth a 4-year extension; the fourth one-fifth a 3-year extension; and the remaining participants a 2-year extension.

FSA county offices are now beginning to notify CRP participants with contracts expiring in 2008 through 2010 of their re-enrollment and extension opportunities.  The deadline for participants to respond is June 30, 2006.

For more information on CRP, contact your local FSA office or visit the FSA Web site at: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/dafp/cepd/crp.htm

Source: USDA