Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)

Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) 

 

What is this program?

CSP offers payments to agricultural and forest producers who expand their existing conservation efforts by adopting additional conservation activities. CSP also offers bundles where you can select a suite of enhancements and receive a higher payment rate.

 

How can I use this program?

• Expand on existing conservation efforts by applying new conservation practices, enhancements, or bundles (E.g., If you have been planting a cover crop, you may decide to try an enhancement for a multi-species cover crop or implement a deep-rooted cover crop to break up soil compaction.);
• Schedule timely planting and management of cover crops;
• Develop a grazing plan that will improve your forage base;
• Implement no-till to reduce erosion or manage forested areas in a way that benefits wildlife habitat.

 

Who or what is eligible and what are the eligibility requirements?

Eligible applicants:

• Applicants may include individuals, legal entities, joint operations, or Indian Tribes that own or rent and currently manage land for agricultural or forest production.
• All applicants must adhere to the following:
  • Have a social security number or employer identification number issued by the IRS.
  • Maintain control of the land for the entire span of the 5-year CSP contract.
  • Have an adjusted gross income (AGI) of less than $900,000 (not applicable to Indian Tribes).
• Applicants must currently be meeting the stewardship threshold for at least two priority natural resource concerns on every land use included in the operation.
• Applicants must agree to meet or exceed the stewardship threshold for at least one additional resource concern by the end of the contract on at least one land use.

Eligible lands:

• Eligible lands include:
  • Private agricultural lands
  • Agricultural Indian lands
  • Nonindustrial private forest land
  • Farmstead
  • Associated agricultural lands
  • Public land that is under the control of the applicant and part of their operation
• Lands must be actively used for producing an agricultural or forest product.
• Lands being cleared or prepped for future agricultural production are not eligible until an agricultural operation has been established and crops, food, or fiber have been successfully produced.
• There is no minimum acreage requirement. CSP enrolls your entire operation into the program, not just one specific field or tract.
• All land must be in compliance with USDA highly erodible land and wetland conservation provisions to be eligible for CSP.

 

Are there any deadlines?

Deadlines vary by state. Please visit your local NRCS field office to learn more.

 

Is there anything else I should know?

• The contract is five (5) years, with the option to renew for a second five (5) years if the first term is completed successfully, and if your renewal application ranks high enough (CSP renewals are a competitive process).
• There are three different types of payments available through CSP:
  • Annual contract payments, which are based on payments to maintain the existing level of conservation based on the land uses included in the contract and payments to implement additional conservation practices and activities.
  • Supplemental payments for producers willing to implement a resource conserving crop rotation, improve an existing resource conserving crop rotation, or implement advanced grazing management.
  • Minimum contract payments for most contracts.
• Income tax must be paid on each payment.

 

How do I apply?

Contact your local NRCS field office and express interest in CSP.

If new to FSA, make an appointment to establish a farm record with FSA as soon as possible.

 

 

 

Page last updated: May 2, 2023