USDA ANNOUNCES PROPOSED RULE FOR THE CONSERVATION SECURITY PROGRAM 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                Contact:     Amy O. Maxwell
                                                                           (803) 765-5402
                                                                           amy.maxwell@sc.usda.gov

Water Quality Enhancement is Top Priority

  COLUMBIA, SC, Dec. 31, 2003 – Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman announced the release of a proposed rule to implement the new Conservation Security Program (CSP) designed to reward the best conservation stewards of the most environmentally sensitive areas in targeted watersheds.

      “The Conservation Security Program will reward the best and motivate the rest by identifying those agricultural producers who historically have been the best stewards of their land while providing incentives for those who want to increase conservation practices,” said Veneman. “The results will be improved soil and water quality, reduced soil erosion and enhanced critical wildlife habitat.”

Authorized by the 2002 Farm Bill, the fundamental intent of CSP is to complement existing conservation programs by supporting ongoing conservation stewardship of agricultural working lands and enhancing the condition of America ’s natural resources. To ensure that CSP’s limited resources are focused first on the most pressing environmental concerns, the rule proposes to prioritize eligibility based on selected priority watersheds. The eligible watersheds would be announced and identified through a CSP sign-up notification, which is targeted for the summer of 2004.

Additionally, through intensive management to increase soil and water quality, such as conservation tillage, nutrient management and grazing management, the program is expected to yield significant benefits for critical wildlife habitat and at-risk species of wildlife.

USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Conservationist for South Carolina Walter W. Douglas said, “Applicants must address water quality and soil quality concerns as program eligibility criteria and enrollment will be targeted to those demonstrating the highest levels of stewardship.” CSP payment limitations will be based on three “tiers” that represent increasing levels of resource treatment. Payments rise with increased levels of treatment.

The proposed rule, as well as additional information on CSP and other conservation programs, is available on the NRCS Web site at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/farmbill/2002/products.html.

This proposed rule has a 60-day comment period, and can be found in the Federal Register at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/farmbill/2002/pdf/csprule.pdf

Comments on the CSP proposed rule may be sent to david.mckay@usda.gov or by mail to Conservation Security Program Comments, ATTN: David McKay, NRCS Conservation Operations Division, P.O. Box 2890, Washington, D.C. 20013.