2012 DCP/ACRE Sign Up Begins January 23; CSP deadline extended to Jan. 27
Date Modified: 01/26/2012 9:20 AM
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SAINT PAUL — Enrollment for the Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) Program or the traditional Direct and Counter-cyclical Program (DCP) begins Jan. 23 and runs through June 1.
"Farmers in Minnesota who are interested in enrolling in these programs need to add this important deadline to their list of 'must do' jobs," said Linda Hennen, Minnesota Farm Service Agency state executive director. "Producers should contact the local county office to set up appointments."
Annual contracts are required to be signed to receive program benefits. All signatures of producers receiving a share in DCP and ACRE payments are required by June 1, 2012.
For more information about DCP and ACRE programs or other FSA programs, contact your county FSA office and visit the state FSA website at: www.fsa.usda.gov.
Conservation Stewardship Program
The USDA has extended until Jan. 27 the deadline for applying to enroll in the current round of the Conservation Stewardship Program. Through CSP, the USDA makes payments to producers who maintain a high level of conservation on working land and who agree to adopt additional levels of stewardship.
To be eligible for the 2012 ranking and the current round of contracts, farmers must complete the preliminary application process by Jan. 27. To being the process, farmers should contact their local Natural Resources Conservation Service office. Following the initial application, farmers will complete a farm assessment with NRCS staff.
CSP is being offeredin all 50 states, tribal lands and the Pacific and Caribbean areas through continuous sign-ups. Administered by NRCS, CSP provides many conservation benefits including improved water and soil quality, enhanced wildlife habitat and conservation activities that address the effects of climate change.
Minnesota farmers' use of the program has consistently place the state in the top ranking nationally in terms of CSP contracts and funding awarded. The average Minnesota agriculture land contract in 2011 was $25,651 over a five-year period.
CSP is applicable for working lands which include cropland, pastureland, rangeland and non-industrial forestland.