USDA increases incentives for Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program

U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency Administrator Juan Garcia has announced an increase in the maximum incentive payments private landowners can receive for participating in the Delaware Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, further strengthening the federal partnership with the state of Delaware to protect environmentally sensitive lands in the Chesapeake Bay, Delaware Bay and Inland Bays watersheds.

“These higher incentives will encourage more landowners to consider participating in the Delaware CREP and expand conservation areas that will reduce pesticides, improve soil and water quality, and improve habitat for aquatic organisms and wildlife,” said Garcia.

Landowners who participate in the CREP program can receive cost-share assistance for establishing conservation practices on enrolled land, an annual rental payment throughout the length of the contract (10-15 years), and an incentive payment. The maximum rate increases announced for the Delaware CREP range from $165 to $225 per acre, an increase from the previous levels of $110 to $150 per acre. To date, 6,000 acres of environmentally sensitive land have been enrolled in the Delaware CREP. Both USDA and the state of Delaware contribute to the incentive payments eligible participants receive when enrolling in this project.

Agricultural landowners and producers may enroll in Delaware CREP on a continuous basis. Interested participants are encouraged to contact their local FSA office to review their eligibility and discuss the practices that would best suit their unique situations. Go to www.fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_File/crep_delaware_july.pdf to learn more about the Delaware CREP.