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Group encourages CSP enrollmentMissouri The Missouri Rural Crisis Center welcomes the U.S. Department of Agriculture's announcement that it has opened enrollment for the Conservation Security Program in 51 eligible watersheds with a sign-up period until May 16. CSP is unique in that it is a working lands conservation program that rewards farmers and ranchers who meet high standards of conservation and environmental management. "We are glad to see that the logjam has been broken and farmers and ranchers in the 51 eligible watersheds will finally be able to enroll in the Conservation Security Program," said Rhonda Perry, grain and livestock farmer from Howard County and Program Director of the Missouri Rural Crisis Center. The sign-up will include farms from the Lower Missouri-Crooked Watershed, stretching from Kansas City to Glasgow. This watershed includes all or part of 11 counties in Missouri including Johnson, Clay, Clinton, Caldwell, Ray, Jackson, Lafayette, Cass, Carroll, Saline and Chariton. "CSP is still not well known to many farmers since it has only been available in a limited number of watersheds," says Perry. "We hope this sign-up will help farmers become more aware of the program's potential to provide long-term economic and environmental benefits." During the first three CSP signups since 2004, almost 1,600 Missouri farmers in seven watersheds have enrolled. Contracts vary greatly in requirements and payments, based on different "tiers" or levels of participation. During the last sign-up year (2006) the average amount of money from CSP contracts was $17,784 per year and generated $22 million into the state to support farming methods that protect and enhance water and soil quality, provide wildlife habitat and save energy. Missouri Rural Crisis Center is a statewide farm and rural organization with over 5,500 member families. For more information contact: The Missouri Rural Crisis Center 1108 Rangeline Street Columbia, MO 65201 573-449-1336.
Date: 5/15/08
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