The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) helps agricultural producers maintain and improve their existing conservation systems and adopt additional conservation activities to address high-priority concerns around natural resources. Participants earn CSP payments for conservation performance–the higher the performance, the higher the payment. The 2021 CSP application deadline is March 26, 2021.
Through CSP, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) helps farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners expand stewardship activities and receive payments for both their existing conservation work and new enhancements they undertake. Enhancements are available to help with soil health, pollinators, changing weather patterns, western forest structure, efficient irrigation, rangeland health, and much more.
While conservation applications are accepted throughout the year, to be considered for 2021 funding, interested producers should submit CSP applications to their local NRCS office by March 26, 2021. Selections will be announced in late April and contracts will be obligated by July 30, 2021.
For additional information about CSP, please schedule an appointment with your local USDA Service Center. More information can be found on the USDA's website.