Conservation Reserve Program

The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) provides technical and financial assistance to eligible farmers to address soil, water, and related natural resource concerns on their lands in an environmentally beneficial and cost-effective manner. The program provides assistance to farmers in complying with Federal and State laws, and encourages environmental enhancement. The program is funded through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). The Farm Service Agency (FSA) administers CRP, and NRCS provides technical land eligibility determinations and conservation planning.

The Conservation Reserve Program reduces soil erosion, protects the Nation's ability to produce food and fiber, reduces sedimentation in streams and lakes, improves water quality, establishes wildlife habitat, and enhances forest and wetland resources. CRP encourages farmers to convert highly erodible cropland or other environmentally sensitive acreage to vegetative cover, such as grass waterways, native grasses, wildlife plantings, trees, filter strips and riparian buffers. Farmers receive an annual rental payment for the term of the contract. Cost sharing is provided to establish the vegetative cover practices.

CRP Job Sheet Links

The following documents require Microsoft Word

Continuous Practices

General Sign-Up Practices

Mid-Contract Management Practices

Haying and Grazing of CRP

Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program

State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) Program

Additional information:

Farm Service Agency Web Site  Click on Conservation Programs link.

2008 Farm Bill Conservation Reserve Program Summary (PDF)

Conservation Reserve Program Continuous Sign-up
 

These documents require Acrobat Reader or Microsoft Word


Step-By-Step Application Information (DOC; 26 KB)


Forms Needed:

CRP-2 Conservation Reserve Program Worksheet (PDF)

AD-862, Provided by FSA-not available electronically

Program Contact

For program information, please contact your local USDA Service Center.

If you encounter problems with documents on this page, contact Shannon Zezula, State Resource Conservationist, at shannon.zezula@in.usda.gov or (317) 290-3200, ext. 388.