SAINT PAUL – USDA Farm Service Agency Minnesota Executive Director Linda Hennen reminds landowners and producers that a general sign-up for the Conservation Reserve Program ends April 15. During this sign-up period, farmers and ranchers may offer eligible land through the local Farm Service Agency county office.

CRP is a voluntary program that allows environmentally sensitive land be used for conservation benefits. Producers accepted in the program plant long-term, resource conserving vegetative covers in exchange for rental payments, cost share and technical assistance. By reducing water runoff and sedimentation, CRP protects groundwater and improves the condition of lakes, rivers, ponds and streams. The vegetative covers offers improved wildlife habitat, making it a major contributor to the increase in wildlife population.