Conservation Reserve Program — annual rental payments for retiring sensitive land. Two paths: General Signup (competitive) and Continuous CRP (always open).
Time to Apply
30-60 minutes at FSA; 1-3 months to hear back on General Signup
Cost to Apply
Free. No application fee.
Where to Apply
Your local FSA office
Complexity
Medium — FSA evaluates your offer using Environmental Benefits Index
General CRP has periodic signup windows and is competitive — your offer is scored against others. Continuous CRP accepts enrollment outside the general signup for priority practices (buffers, wetlands, pollinator habitat) and is non-competitive — offers are automatically accepted if eligible. USDA announces specific Continuous CRP enrollment periods, so check with FSA for the current window.
Tip: Continuous CRP is easier to get into — start there if your land has buffers, wetlands, or pollinator habitat
Bring your photo ID, FSA farm number, deed or lease, and 6 years of cropping history. FSA staff will help you identify which tracts are eligible and estimate your rental rate.
Tip: FSA will calculate your county's soil rental rate — this determines your annual payment
For General CRP, you submit an offer during the signup window. FSA scores it using the Environmental Benefits Index (EBI) — factors include wildlife habitat, water quality, erosion, and air quality. For Continuous CRP, you submit CRP-1 and AD-1026 forms.
Tip: Higher EBI scores win. Offering slightly below the maximum rental rate can boost your score.
If accepted, you sign a 10-15 year contract. FSA provides a cost-share payment (up to 50%) to establish conservation cover — native grasses, trees, buffers, etc. Annual rental payments begin after cover is established.
Tip: You receive annual rental payments for the life of the contract — 10-15 years of guaranteed income
During the contract, you maintain the conservation cover and comply with the plan. FSA may inspect periodically. You can hay or graze CRP land under emergency authorization if your county is approved.
Tip: Breaking the contract early means repaying all rental payments plus penalties — commit to the full term
Continuous CRP is almost always the better path for first-timers. It's non-competitive with automatic acceptance for eligible land, and covers the highest-priority practices (riparian buffers, wetland restoration, pollinator habitat). Check with FSA for the current enrollment window.
CRP rental rates are based on your county's soil rental rate. Some counties pay $200+/acre/year — check your county's rate at the FSA office before deciding.
Beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers get priority in CRP ranking. Make sure to self-certify on your application.
Marginal land (flood-prone, erosion-prone, low-yield) is perfect for CRP. The land that loses you money farming could earn you steady rental income in CRP.
Waiting for General Signup when Continuous CRP may accept the same land through a simpler, non-competitive process.
Not checking your county's soil rental rate first — some areas pay very well, others less so.
Underestimating the commitment — CRP is 10-15 years. Make sure you won't need that land for production in the near term.
Not maintaining the cover — FSA inspects CRP land and can terminate contracts for non-compliance.
Continuous CRP: 1-3 months from application to contract. General CRP: depends on signup window (announced periodically).
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