Conservation Security Program (CSP)
The Conservation Security Program (CSP) rewards those farmers who have implemented conservation practices on their cropland and grazing land. The theme of this program is to "Reward the best, and motivate the rest." The federal government will share in the cost for implementing new conservation practices and pay farmers for existing practices. This program is available in only a select number of watersheds each year.
Land Use |
Cropland, Grazing land |
Focus |
Reward payments, Cost-share payments |
Resource Concern |
Soil erosion, Water quality, Air quality, Wildlife habitat |
Purpose |
The environmental purpose of this program is to support ongoing stewardship of private agricultural lands and implementation of additional conservation practices that provide added environmental enhancement. |
Landowner Benefits |
Landowners are rewarded with direct payments for historically wise stewardship. Cost-share is given for implementing additional conservation practices. |
Description |
This program is largely a reward program where payments are delivered to landowners who have historically practiced good stewardship on their agricultural land. This program also rewards those who have gone beyond the minimum resource requirements for non-degradation and provides cost sharing for those wanting to do more. The Conservation Security Program (CSP) provides three tiers of participation that differ in contract length and total payments according to the amount of treatment and the portion of the agricultural operation being offered. Enrollment in this program is available only in designated watersheds for a set amount of time. |
Practices |
Existing and new stewardship practices and activities |
Costs to Landowner |
The percent of costs that the federal government will pay has not yet been determined. |
Eligibility |
Producers on cropland, orchards, vineyards, pastures, and grazing land may apply for the Conservation Security Program (CSP), regardless of size, type of operation or crops produced. Lands already enrolled in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP), or Grasslands Reserve Program (GRP) are not eligible. Some landowners may not qualify if their adjusted gross income exceeds certain dollar figures. |
Contract |
The contract is variable in length. |
Other Notes |
Landowners who cash-rent their land are not eligible. The person who actually shares in the risk of the crop or livestock produced is eligible. Producers complete a self-assessment including description of conservation activities on their operations followed by an interview if considered eligible. |
Landowner Initiation |
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