Farmer's Guide to the Conservation Stewardship Program now available
From the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition:
The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition's Farmer's Guide to the Conservation Stewardship Program is now available online! (http://sustainableagriculture.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/CSP_FarmersGuide_final_September_2009.pdf) The seventeen-page guide gives farmers the basic eligibility requirements, an overview of the enrollment process, and application steps. The guide also includes answers to frequently asked questions with information specific to beginning farmers, organic farmers, farmers participating in the EQIP organic initiative, and tips for all farmers on how to maximize their points and payments.
Time is Running Out to Apply for the 2009 Ranking Pool
The first CSP sign up period ends September 30th. This first CSP sign up in 2009 is being conducted in steps. Farmers must submit an initial basic application to their local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office (http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/about/organization/regions.html) by the September 30th deadline. Then in October, the Conservation Measurement Tool (see page 8 and 12 of the Guide) will be filled out by each applicant, followed by ranking, selection, field verification, and writing of contracts by NRCS. Starting in 2010 sign up will be continuous, so farmers can choose to sign up after September 30th for the 2010 cycle. It seems likely, however, that the short time frame for the 2009 sign up could mean a smaller ranking pool and thus less competition for acceptance into the program.
Still Time to Comment
Concurrent with the first sign-up period, USDA is seeking comments on the administrative rules (link) that will govern CSP implementation. The deadline for submitting comments has been extended to October 28th. NSAC analysis of the rules and talking points for submitting your own comments are available here (http://sustainableagriculture.net/take-action/conservation-stewardship-program/). You can submit your comment on line here. (http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/o/5735/t/4860/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=2924)