By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced significant progress in its conservation efforts, accepting more than 2.2 million acres from agricultural producers and private landowners into the 2024 Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).
This program, administered by the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), is now close to reaching its 27 million acre cap, highlighting the agricultural community's strong commitment to environmental stewardship.
Zach Ducheneaux, Administrator of the FSA, expressed enthusiasm about the growing participation. “The acceptance rate and our proximity to the acreage cap demonstrate the strong commitment of our farmers and landowners to combat climate change and enhance our natural ecosystems,” he stated.
This year's enrollment includes nearly 1.44 million acres in the Grassland CRP, with states like Nebraska, Colorado, and New Mexico leading in contributions. These areas support critical biodiversity and aid in carbon sequestration while allowing for sustainable grazing practices.
The General and Continuous CRP segments also saw substantial enrollments, with nearly 200,000 and over 565,000 acres accepted respectively. These programs are vital for improving water quality, preventing soil erosion, and supporting wildlife habitats across various U.S. regions.
The Continuous CRP remains open for new enrollments, offering year-round opportunities for producers and landowners to contribute to this national effort towards sustainable land management.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National