CSP is an NRCS program that helps agricultural producers, including non-industrial private forest landowners, expand and enhance their conservation activities through a 5 year contract. It provides a payment (minimum $1500/year) for maintaining current conservation efforts, while simultaneously implementing new conservation activities. At least one new activity is required to participate in the program.

From the NRCS website: “Whether you are looking to improve grazing conditions, increase crop yields, or develop wildlife habitat, we can custom design a CSP plan to help you meet those goals. We can help you schedule timely planting of cover crops, develop a grazing plan that will improve your forage base, implement no-till to reduce erosion or manage forested areas in a way that benefits wildlife habitat.  If you are already taking steps to improve the condition of the land, chances are CSP can help you find new ways to meet your goals.

If you decide to enroll in CSP, the local NRCS conservation planner will have a one-on-one consultation with you to evaluate your current management system and the natural resources on your land. Then the NRCS conservation planner will present a variety of CSP enhancement alternatives for you to consider implementing on your land, based on existing conservation practices… These improvements work naturally with your land to bring out your land’s best potential.”

CSP is available to all producers, regardless of operation size or type of crops produced!!

For more information, visit the CSP website @ https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/ma/programs/financial/csp/

If you have any questions regarding the program or application process, email Rita Thibodeau, Assistant State Conservationist – [email protected]