(NAFB) – The Department of Agriculture reminds producers the signup deadline for the Conservation Reserve Program current general signup is fast approaching.

Eligible producers must submit their offers by July 23, 2021. USDA’s Farm Service Agency made several changes to CRP to make it more appealing to all producers, including those who are historically underserved, beginning, and veterans. FSA added incentives to encourage producers to include climate-smart practices in their operations to increase natural resource and environmental benefits.

FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux says to farmers, “Explore the increased payment rates and new incentives for climate-smart agricultural practices to see if elements of the revamped CRP fit your operation.”

USDA’s goal is to enroll up to four million new CRP acres by raising payment rates and expanding the incentives offered under the program. CRP is capped at 25 million acres for fiscal year 2021, but the cap will gradually increase to 27 million acres by fiscal year 2023.