The next deadline for Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) applications to be considered for funding this year is May 7.

Organic operations should take a look at CSP applications because the Pennsylvania Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) received funds designated for an Organic category of this program.

Through CSP, the United States Department of Agriculture’s NRCS program helps farmers, ranchers and forest landowners earn payments for expanding conservation activities while maintaining agricultural production on their land.

CSP also encourages adoption of new technologies and management techniques. Benefits may include increased crop yields, decreased inputs, wildlife habitat improvements and increased resilience to weather extremes.

The 2018 Farm Bill authorized NRCS to accept new CSP enrollments until 2023, and included the following updates to the program.

NRCS enrolls eligible, high-ranking applications based on dollars rather than acres.

Higher payment rates are available under the 2018 Farm Bill for certain conservation activities, including cover crops and resource conserving crop rotations.

The program also provides specific support for organic and for transitioning to organic production activities, and a special grassland conservation initiative for certain producers who have maintained cropland base acres.

While applications are accepted throughout the year, interested producers should submit applications to their local NRCS office by the deadline to ensure their applications are considered for 2021 funding.

For additional information about CSP, contact a local service center.