Back in 2021, we first covered this topic in our article "The Conservation Reserve Program: What's In It For Me?". The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is a nationwide, federally funded initiative that compensates landowners for retiring environmentally sensitive acres from crop production. Created under the 1985 Farm Bill to address soil erosion and surplus crops, CRP provides annual rental payments in exchange for establishing long-term conservation cover. By planting native grasses, trees, or other vegetation on erodible or marginal land, participants can enhance water quality, reduce erosion, and create valuable wildlife habitat while maintaining a reliable income stream. The program applies across all states — including Alabama, Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi — under consistent federal guidelines, with states often prioritizing unique conservation practices. This article offers a clear, in-depth look at how CRP works, its key benefits and drawbacks, and the steps to enroll — serving as part of our First Farm series for new and prospective landowners. In future installments, we’ll dive deeper into state-specific approaches, but here we focus on the core structure and what to expect when participating in CRP.
Key Features of CRP
10-15 Year Contracts
Enrollees sign a contract typically lasting a decade or more (often 10 or 15 years) during which the land must be maintained in the prescribed conservation cover and kept out of production . This long timeframe allows environmental benefits to accumulate (e.g. rebuilding soil health and establishing habitat).
Annual Rental Payments
The USDA pays participants a yearly rent for the land. Payment rates are based on the county’s average cash rental rates and the soil productivity of the specific parcel These payments provide a stable income stream to the landowner in lieu of crop revenue, helping to stabilize farm income on less-productive acres . For example, Alabama landowners received an average of about $66 per acre in annual CRP rental payments as of 2017 – rates vary by location and soil.
Cost-Share for Establishment
In addition to rent, the program may cover up to 50% of the cost of establishing the conservation practice (e.g. the expense of planting grass seed or tree seedlings) . This helps defray upfront costs of habitat improvements.
Environmentally Targeted Enrollment
To ensure maximum impact, CRP enrollment is targeted toward land that is “environmentally sensitive” or marginal for farming – typically highly erodible cropland, flood-prone fields, field edges near waterways, or similar areas . Land must meet certain cropping history requirements (e.g. having been planted in crops for a set number of years) and conservation criteria to be eligible..
General vs. Continuous Signup
CRP offers multiple enrollment options. General sign-ups are competitive – they occur during announced periods when landowners submit bids to enroll, and offers are ranked using an Environmental Benefits Index (EBI) score. Only the highest-scoring offers (those expected to yield the greatest environmental benefit relative to cost) are accepted in each general signup . In contrast, Continuous sign-ups are non-competitive and open year-round for certain high-priority conservation practices (like filter strips, riparian buffers, pollinator habitats, etc.) – eligible land can be enrolled without going through the competitive ranking process . There are also specialized variants: for instance, State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) initiatives target specific wildlife species, .
Land Management Requirements
Enrolling in CRP doesn’t mean simply letting a field go wild; participants must follow an approved conservation plan and manage the cover appropriately. This can include activities like periodic mowing, controlled burns, or invasive weed control to maintain the health of the grass or tree cover. These requirements ensure the land truly yields environmental benefits (e.g. dense grass cover for erosion control or well-managed habitat for wildlife). Generally, no farming or commercial use of the land is allowed during the contract (harvesting or grazing is restricted, except under certain emergency or managed circumstances with FSA approval). This is a commitment to conservation use of the land for the duration of the contract.
In Summary
CRP essentially leases environmentally fragile land from farmers for conservation purposes. The farmer keeps ownership of the land and gets a guaranteed payment each year, while the land gets a “rest” from tillage and is covered with vegetation that protects and improves it. The USDA’s role is to administer the contracts, provide technical support (often through the Natural Resources Conservation Service for planting plans), and monitor compliance. In states like Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, and Mississippi, local FSA offices implement the program, often coordinating with state wildlife or forestry agencies. For instance, Alabama has nearly 200,000 acres enrolled in CRP, with a large portion planted in pines and other trees to reduce erosion and create wildlife habitat . No matter the state, the core program functions the same way, aiming to balance agricultural production with conservation by paying farmers to “farm the best, conserve the rest.”
How to Get Started with CRP
Getting started with CRP is very much about working with your local farm agencies – they will guide you through eligibility and paperwork. The initial steps are straightforward: verify that your land qualifies and sign up at the FSA offce.. It’s wise to start planning ahead of a signup window and to consider what parts of your property might benefit most from a long-term rest or conservation use. In the Southeast, for example, land along streams or on sandy, erosion-prone soils might be prime candidates. Remember that enrolling in CRP is competitive in general signups; having a strong conservation plan (e.g. including additional wildlife enhancements or buffer plantings) and being flexible on rental rate can improve your chances of selection. FSA conservation planners can help tailor your offer to maximize its EBI score.
1. Check Your Land’s Eligibility
Determine if your land meets cropping history and environmental sensitivity requirements.
2. Contact Your Local FSA Office
Reach out to your county USDA office for guidance and enrollment details.
3. Develop a Conservation Plan
Work with FSA or NRCS to outline planting and maintenance plans.
4. Submit an Offer During Signup
File an offer during a signup period for general or continuous enrollment.
5. Sign the CRP Contract
Finalize the contract detailing acreage, payment, and obligations.
6. Establish the Conservation Cover
Plant approved grasses, trees, or other covers using cost-share assistance.
7. Maintain and Monitor
Follow the conservation plan, including mowing, burning, or weed control as required.
8. Renewal or Return to Production
Decide on re-enrollment or transitioning land back to production after contract end.
CRP - Advantages
Environmental Improvement
CRP improves soil, water, and air quality on enrolled lands.
Wildlife Habitat
Fields provide vital habitat for game species, birds, and pollinators.
Stable Income
Predictable rental payments create financial stability for landowners.
Land Conservation
CRP improves soil structure and long-term productivity potential.
Reduced Stress
Allows focus on productive acres while resting marginal ground.
The CRP gives landowners a practical way to take less-productive or hard-to-farm acres out of rotation while keeping a dependable income stream. Instead of battling erosion or low yields, participants receive steady rental payments and reduce input costs on acres that weren’t producing well. Many landowners view it as a smart business decision — one that preserves soil, reduces maintenance headaches, and provides financial stability. For those looking to balance profitability with long-term stewardship, CRP has become a reliable tool to make the most of every acre.
CRP - Disadvantages
Long-Term Commitment
Contracts limit flexibility for 10-15 years with penalties for early exit.
Fixed Payment Rates
Payments do not adjust for inflation or commodity market changes.
Management Responsibilities
Cover maintenance requires mowing, burns, and weed control.
Land Use Restrictions
Commercial uses like grazing or haying are limited under contract rules.
Local Economic Impacts
Retired acres can reduce local farm-related economic activity.
Disadvantages of CRP boil down to trade-offs: you get guaranteed income and environmental gains, but you give up some freedom to use the land and must commit to government rules for a long period. Weigh these factors carefully. For many, the program’s positives outweigh the negatives, but others decide they’d rather keep their land available for cropping or other uses. It often depends on the specific parcel of land – its productivity, its problems (erosion, etc.), and your financial situation and conservation ethic.
Final Thoughts
The Conservation Reserve Program can be a powerful tool for both conservation and farm management. Many landowners in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, and Tennessee have used CRP to convert unproductive acres into valuable habitat while receiving steady payments. If you are new to farming, CRP is worth understanding as part of your first farm journey. Ultimately, successful farm management often means striking a balance between production and conservation. The Conservation Reserve Program is one way to achieve that balance by retiring your “worst” land so your better land can be farmed more sustainably, all while protecting natural resources. Whether you’re in the rolling hills of Tennessee, the flat Delta of Mississippi, or the sandy soils of Florida, CRP works in similar ways to help you “conserve the rest” and get compensated for it. By understanding the ins and outs of CRP now, you’ll be prepared to make an informed decision if and when this program aligns with your farm goals.