By Andi Anderson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has set February 14, 2025, as the deadline for Michigan farmers and non-industrial private forest owners to apply for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). This program offers financial incentives for maintaining and enhancing conservation practices.
Administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the CSP provides a minimum annual payment of $4,000 to participants for sustaining existing land stewardship practices.
Participants can receive financial support for implementing new conservation techniques while continuing agricultural production. The program encourages innovative technologies and improved management practices to benefit the environment and farming operations.
Eligible applicants include farmers and forestland owners with prior experience in USDA conservation programs and those with a conservation or forest management plan. The selection process for the CSP is competitive, with additional funding available through the Inflation Reduction Act, enhancing opportunities for enrollment.
The CSP operates on a continuous basis in Michigan and offers many benefits, including improved crop yields, reduced input costs, better wildlife habitats, and increased resilience to extreme weather conditions. It is open to working lands such as cropland, pastureland, non-industrial private forest land, and land under American Indian tribe jurisdiction.
Program participants sign renewable five-year contracts covering their entire farm or forest operation. By promoting sustainable practices, the USDA aims to support farmers and forest owners while advancing environmental conservation.
Farmers and landowners interested in the Conservation Stewardship Program are encouraged to apply before the February 14 deadline. This initiative represents a valuable opportunity to support sustainable agriculture and forest management while reaping financial and environmental benefits.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Michigan, Government & Policy