LITTLE ROCK – The deadline for Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) Classic applications to be considered for funding in fiscal year 2021 is April 16, 2021.
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) plans to invest up to $750 million for new enrollments and renewals in fiscal year 2021. CSP offers additional opportunities to expand on existing conservation efforts by offering conservation practices, enhancements, bundles, and other conservation activities.
“CSP continues to be a very effective tool for private landowners working to achieve their conservation and management goals,” said Mike Sullivan, Arkansas NRCS state conservationist.
While applications are accepted throughout the year, interested producers should submit applications to their local NRCS office by April 16, 2021, to ensure their applications are considered for 2021 CSP Classic funding.
CSP is offered in Arkansas through continuous sign-ups. The program provides many benefits including increased crop yields, decreased inputs, wildlife habitat improvements and increased resilience to weather extremes. CSP is for working lands including cropland, pastureland, rangeland, nonindustrial private forest land and agricultural land under the jurisdiction of a tribe.
For additional information about CSP, contact your local USDA servicecenter (https://www.farmers.gov/service-locator).
While USDA offices are currently closed to visitors because of the pandemic, Service Center staff continue to work with agricultural producers via phone, email, and other digital tools. To conduct business, please contact your local USDA Service Center. Additionally, more information related to USDA’s response and relief for producers can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.
