Michigan has enrolled 113,541 acres in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), with an average payment of $123.87 per acre. The latest General signup for CRP, held from February 27 to April 7, 2023, saw more than 1 million acres accepted nationwide.
The program allows producers and landowners to establish long-term, resource-conserving plant species to improve soil health, control erosion, enhance water quality, and provide wildlife habitat.
Nationally, there are over 23 million acres enrolled in CRP, with average payments of $78.01 per acre. The program also plays a significant role in climate change mitigation efforts across the country. Offers for new land in the recent General signup totaled about 295,000 acres, while producers submitted re-enrollment offers for 891,000 expiring acres, showcasing the success of long-term participation in CRP.
The Farm Service Agency (FSA) expects the total number of CRP acres to increase as it accepts acres from the Grassland CRP signup, which closed on May 26. Additionally, FSA has received 761,000 offered acres for the Continuous CRP signup this year.
The General CRP signup in 2021 introduced improvements such as the Climate-Smart Practice Incentive, which provides incentive payments based on the type of vegetation enrolled. These incentives aim to increase carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Producers and landowners should note that submitting and accepting a CRP offer is the first step, and they must develop a conservation plan before contracts become effective on October 1, 2023. USDA continues to provide information and support to help landowners make the most of the program.
Photo Credit: farm-land-istock-alenamozhjer
Categories: Michigan, Government & Policy, Sustainable Agriculture