| DECEMBER 28, 2010 -- Jay T. Mar, State Conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Connecticut reminds farmers and forestry producers to submit their applications for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). The cutoff for producer applications is January 7, 2011.
“The deadline for submissions was extended to give those eligible more time to fill out the appropriate paperwork, and hopefully allow even more people to participate,” said Mar. “But with the holidays fast approaching, January 7, 2011, will be here before we know it. That’s why now is a good time to get it submitted.” (Although applications are accepted on a continuous basis, a cutoff date is always necessary to consider applications for the current year’s funding.)
The program provides many conservation benefits including improve- ment of water and soil quality, wildlife habitat enhancement, and adoption of conservation activities that address the effects of climate change.
Authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill, the program offers payments to producers who maintain a high level of conservation on their land and who agree to adopt higher levels of stewardship. Eligible lands include cropland, pastureland, rangeland, and nonindustrial forestland. All producers are encouraged to apply.
A CSP self-screening checklist is available to help producers determine if CSP is suitable for their operation. It highlights basic information about eligibility requirements, contract obligations, and potential payments, and is available from local NRCS offices or online at www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/ new_csp/csp.html.
For more information, contact your nearest USDA Field Office: Brook- lyn - (860) 774-0224; Hamden - (203) 287-8038; Norwich - (860) 887-3604; Torrington - (860) 626-8258; Windsor - (860) 688-7725. |
