FSA offers re-enrollments, extensions for 2007 maturing CRP contracts years ago
By WILLIAM J. HARMON
Marion Co. FSA Executive Director
Landowners with Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contracts expiring Sept. 30, 2007, have received an important, time-limited offer from the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA). Program participants will be offered contract re-enrollments or extensions designed to keep environmentally sensitive land in this conservation program.
Between 2007 and 2010, more than 400,000 CRP contracts covering 28 million acres nationally will expire. The agency's goal is to keep as much of that land in the CRP as possible, so a 10- or 15-year contract re-enrollment for selected lands and up to five-year extensions for other contracts are being offered.
Each eligible CRP participant with a contract expiring Sept. 30, 2007, has received a letter from the Farm Service Agency county office explaining the offer and outlining their options. They have until April 14 to accept their particular offer. In Marion County, there are 14 contracts eligible for re-enrollment opportunities and 154 contracts entitled to sign up for specific two to five-year extension periods of the current contract. These 168 CRP contracts represent 6,660 acres.
Whether participants are offered a new CRP contract or an extension of the current contract depends upon the contract's Environmental Benefits Index (EBI) score when the land was initially enrolled in CRP. EBI is a ranking of the lands' contribution to improving soil erosion, water quality, air quality, trees, and wildlife habitat.
The aspects of the offers made to participants cannot be changed. Producers cannot add additional land, increase or decrease the extension time, or extend a contract beyond what is authorized. However, producers can elect to re-enroll or extend all or any portion of the expiring contract.
Producers who accept the offer to re-enroll land or extend their existing contract will be required to have a compliance review of the existing contract. The review is to ensure the contract is in compliance with the conservation plan and control of noxious weeds, trees, and other invasive plants. A flat fee of $45, plus $1 per acre, will be charged for the mandatory field visit compliance review.
Producers are encouraged to review the options explained in their offer letters and keep in mind the April 14 deadline. Producers should contact the staff at their local FSA county office for information.
