USDA begins 49th enrollment period for the Conservation Reserve Program

From USDA

WASHINGTON — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack reminded farmers and ranchers Tuesday that the next general enrollment period for the Conservation Reserve Program began that day, and ends Feb. 26, 2016. December 2015 also marks the 30th anniversary of CRP, a federally funded program that assists agricultural producers with the cost of restoring, enhancing and protecting certain grasses, shrubs and trees to improve water quality, prevent soil erosion and reduce loss of wildlife habitat.

As of September, 24.2 million acres were enrolled in CRP. CRP also is protecting more than 170,000 s...