The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA), is a voluntary program that encourages agricultural producers and landowners to convert highly erodible and other environmentally sensitive acreage to vegetative cover, such as native grasses, trees, and riparian buffers.
By enrolling in CRP, participants receive annual rental payments and cost-share assistance to establish long-term, resource-conserving vegetative covers. The program helps to improve water quality, control soil erosion, and enhance wildlife habitat, contributing to overall environmental health and sustainability.
Agricultural producers and landowners with environmentally sensitive land that meets specific criteria related to cropping history and environmental characteristics are eligible. Applicants must demonstrate the potential for significant environmental benefits through the implementation of conservation practices.
Enrollment periods vary depending on the type of signup. FY2026 CRP signup options include:
CRP Signup Type Signup Dates
Continuous CRP Feb. 12, 2026 – March 20, 2026
General CRP March 9, 2026 - April 17, 2026
Grassland CRP Will be announced at a later date.
*Offers to re-enroll expiring CRP continuous acreage will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. New acreage offered in continuous CRP practices will be considered for acceptance on a first-come, first-serve basis if they support USDA conservation priorities including but not limited to practices that address water quality, such as filter strips and grass waterways, and practices that restore native ecosystems or target specific resource concerns.
The first Continuous CRP batching period ends on March 20, 2026. Acceptance of continuous offers will be subject to the availability of acres and USDA conservation priorities. As a result, FSA cannot guarantee acceptance of offers.
To apply for the Conservation Reserve Program, agricultural producers and landowners must submit an offer to their local FSA office. The offer process includes providing information about the land, conservation goals, and the desired conservation practices. Detailed enrollment instructions and deadlines are available through the local FSA office.
Program Features
Enrollment Options
- General CRP : Annual signups where offers are ranked and selected based on environmental benefits.
- Continuous CRP: Allows enrollment of eligible land without competitive ranking. This includes high-priority practices like filter strips, riparian buffers, and grass waterways.
- Grassland CRP: Focuses on preserving grasslands and promoting sustainable grazing practices.
Payments
- Participants receive annual rental payments based on soil productivity and the average cash rental rates in the county. Cost-share assistance is also available for up to 50% of the cost of establishing approved conservation practices.
Contract Duration
- CRP contracts are typically 10 to 15 years in length, allowing time for significant environmental benefits to accrue.
Additional CRP Benefits
- Environmental Improvements: CRP helps reduce soil erosion, improve water quality, and increase wildlife habitat, contributing to the overall health of ecosystems.
- Economic Support: Annual rental payments provide a steady income stream for participants, helping to stabilize farm income.