USDA today issued a proposed rule to implement the long-awaited Conservation Security Program (CSP). CSP would be the first USDA program to provide payments for historical stewardship in areas such as soil and water quality. Additionally, CSP would pay for enhancing conservation performance.
Most private agricultural land, including cropland, orchards, vineyards, and range and pastureland would be eligible.
To focus limited funds on the areas of the greatest environmental concern, CSP will first be offered in selected watersheds across the country that show the greatest potential for improving surface and groundwater quality, soil quality, and grazing land condition.
CSP was authorized in the 2002 Farm Bill and will be implemented by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
The complete proposed rule will be available for viewing in the Federal Register or at the NRCS web site. Comments will be accepted for 60 days. Listening sessions will be held at locations nationwide during this period.