WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts, R-Kan., Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the release of the new Conservation Reserve Program regulations as well as new conservation incentives for agriculture producers with working grass, range and pasture lands.
As of Sept. 1, 2015, agriculture producers can apply for financial aid to help conserve working grasslands, rangeland and pastureland while continuing to use the land for livestock grazing. According to USDA, 400 million acres and 600,000 producers and landowners are enrolled in the agency’s conservation programs.
“I’m pleased to hear USDA has issued the final regulation for the Conservation Reserve Program, which allows for increased program flexibility while also improving program performance,” said Roberts. “This announcement is good news for our farmers and ranchers in Kansas, as there will be new opportunities to enroll grasslands in the program while strengthening and clarifying authority for managed haying and grazing while under contract.”
“These incentives prove that livestock production and environmental conservation go hand in hand. This will undoubtedly create opportunities for our producers in Kansas and across the country.”
The Conservation Reserve Program celebrates its 30th year since it was first established.
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