(Spirit Lake)—Officials with the Farm Service Agency say that while they realize farmers are busy with the later than usual spring planting, they hope they’ll be able to take a few minutes to sign up for the General Conservation Reserve Program. The signup period begins today (Mon., May 20th) and continues through June 14th.
To be eligible for enrollment, Larry Lago, FSA County Executive Director for Dickinson and Emmet counties, says cropland has to have been planted or considered planted to an agricultural commodity four of the six years from 2002 to 2007. He adds that land that meets cropping history and is physically and legally capable of being cropped may also be eligible if it fits into one or more the following categories: if it’s located in a national or state conservation priority area; if it has an average erodible index of 8 or greater or if the land is currently enrolled in CRP scheduled to expire on September 30th, 2013.
During this sign-up, producers can offer land for the competitive general sign-up. After sign-up ends June 14th, submitted offers will be evaluated and ranked based on environmental benefits.
