USDA is moving forward on the Conservation Security Program and requests public comments on how to implement the program. The Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking requires comments by March 20, 2002.
While there will be another opportunity to comment when the actual rules are published, it is important to send comments in response to this request. First, a wide range of public comments supporting the Conservation Security Program is needed to convince Administration officials that the agricultural community is in favor of the program. The volume of positive comments could be as important as the substance of the comments – so even brief letters are encouraged. Second, this provides an important opportunity to influence how the program will ultimately be implemented on the ground.
Important input to USDA includes these points:
Accelerate the rules process to launch the CSP on a nationwide basis, allowing for significant enrollment this year.
Run the CSP as an entitlement conservation program – open to all producers who develop an approved conservation plan. No waiting lists, selection processes, or bidding systems.
“Reward the best and motivate the rest.” Provide financial assistance for those who are now addressing resource needs, and for those who want to improve or add new conservation practices. Allow one contract per individual.
Support restoration of full funding when Congress considers lifting the $3.77 billion cap.
Email comments to [log in to unmask], subject “Conservation Security Program.” Or mail them to Mark Berkland, USDA – NRCS, PO Box 2890, Washington, DC 20013-2890 in time for the March 20 deadline.
The full notice with the 15 questions is available on the web at www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/farmbill/2002/rules/csp030110.htm.
Further information is available at www.mnproject.org.
Background Information The Conservation Security Program was was designed to reward all farmers who voluntarily implement effective conservation on their working lands. Farmers will receive public support as they provide public benefits to the nation’s natural resources. They will solve critical resource problems, with graduated rewards for increasing efforts. Both current and new conservation practices will receive incentives – thus recognizing the good stewards of today while encouraging others to join their ranks. All regions of the country and all types of agriculture will participate on a fair and equitable basis.
In sum, CSP promises to be the most innovative and exciting program in the agricultural conservation toolbox, and a critical new component of U.S. farm policy both now and for years to come.
The rulemaking process on CSP has moved slowly since passage of the 2002 farm bill last May. A February 7, 2003 deadline was missed, but issuance of this request for comments signals that USDA has reached a point in the process where they seek public input to help them quickly polish up the rules and launch the program.
The spending bill recently passed by Congress guarantees the CSP will be launched as a national program with $3.77 billion over ten years, nearly double the estimate during consideration of the farm bill. In fact, the CSP had recently received a new estimate of $7.77 billion, presumably a reflection of high enthusiasm for the new program among farmers. Unfortunately, a last minute deal capped the Conservation Security Program to pay for disaster assistance -- which kept it as an entitlement program but with the big difference that enrollment would halt when the $3.77 billion cap is reached. However, Senate leaders signed a commitment to seek full restoration of the program in another bill, possibly this year.
Loni Kemp
Senior Policy Analyst, The Minnesota Project
RR 1 Box 81B
Canton MN 55922
507-743-8300
www.mnproject.org