WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01), member of the House Committee on Agriculture, introduced the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Modernization Act, legislation that makes improvements to CRP by utilizing science-based targeting of acreage for enrollment, while protecting marginal and unfarmable land for conservation and wildlife habitat. 

“Although a well-intentioned program, CRP enrollment has become more about acres and dollars than true conservation, often incentivizing producers to take prime farmland out of production,” said Rep. Finstad. “The CRP Modernization Act makes commonsense, science-based improvements that will restore the focus of CRP to serving the conservation needs of farmers and landowners by targeting CRP acres toward the most vulnerable land.” 

“Protecting our most productive farmland is essential to keeping farmers and ranchers on the land. CRP works best when it focuses on marginal and highly erodible acres, not the prime farmland producers rely on to stay competitive and efficient. By reducing enrollment of high-quality cropland and ensuring rental rates stay aligned with CRP’s conservation purpose, this bill helps farmers and ranchers compete fairly for acres in their communities. We appreciate Congressman Finstad for listening to our members and for his leadership on a balanced approach that strengthens conservation while supporting agriculture,” said Minnesota Farm Bureau President Dan Glessing.

The CRP Modernization Act would: 

• Require USDA to utilize the land capability classification system based on soil quality to approve acreage rental rates for General and Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) enrollment.
  
  • Class 1-2: 85% of the county average soil rental rate; 
  • Class 3: 100% of the county average soil rental rate;
  • Class 4-7: 115% of the county average soil rental rate.
• Establish a decreased rate equaling 85% of the initial sign-up rate for landowners who choose to reenroll in a new CRP contract. For example, landowners who choose to reenroll Class 4-7 soil would receive 97.75% of the county average soil rental rate.
  
  • For each subsequent reenrollment, the percentage would decrease by an additional 10%.
• Clearly define eligible CRP cost-share opportunities and practices for continuous enrollment on marginal land, including mid-contract management activities.

Full text of the CRP Modernization Act can be found here.

Background:
CRP was established in 1985 as a voluntary conservation program administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA). In exchange for an annual rental payment, enrolled acres are removed from agricultural production to conserve and improve soil by establishing long-term cover on highly erodible land. Contracts for land enrolled in CRP are from 10 to 15 years in length.