Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)

Eligible participants include farmers, ranchers, and foresters who are actively engaged in agricultural production on working lands. Producers must already be implementing conservation efforts and be willing to expand these efforts through new practices or activities. Participants must agree to address priority resource concerns and adopt or improve conservation activities to achieve higher levels of stewardship. Renewals require meeting the initial contract terms and agreeing to additional conservation objectives. Applications are accepted continuously, but ranking dates are set annually in each state. Non-eligible items include land not currently in agricultural production or land that does not meet the stewardship threshold for enrollment.

CSP contracts are for five years, with the possibility of renewal for an additional five years if participants meet the terms of their initial contract and agree to additional conservation objectives. Payments are based on two components: (1) payments to maintain the existing level of conservation, and (2) payments to implement additional conservation activities. Participants are guaranteed a minimum payment of $4,000 per year if their total annual payment is below that amount. Payment rates vary based on the conservation activities and enhancements implemented.

Applications for CSP are accepted on a continuous basis. The first step is to notify the NRCS of your interest in CSP. A conservation planner will then schedule a visit to your property to assess resource concerns and develop a conservation plan. Application ranking dates are set at key times throughout the year, and participants are evaluated based on their conservation plan and the benefits they can achieve. Application and payment schedules vary by state.