Farmers and ranchers enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program receive an annual rental payment upon planting long-term, resource-conserving species like improved grasses or trees. The goal is to mitigate soil erosion, bolster water quality, and develop wildlife habitats on marginally productive lands. The 2018 Farm Bill lifted the cap on the program’s total acreage from 22 million to 27 million, meaning many farmers and ranchers now have a chance to enroll in CRP for the first time. “The Conservation Reserve Program is one of our nation’s largest conservation endeavors and a critical tool to help producers better manage their operations while conserving natural resources,” said Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue. “The program marks its 35-year anniversary in 2020, and we’re hoping to see one of our largest signups in many years.” Purdue noted that since its establishment in 1985, CRP has prevented more than 9 billion tons of soil erosion.

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