Bennet Applauds Agriculture Secretary Vilsack's Decision to Extend Certain Conservation Reserve Program Contracts

Says Move Will Help Colorado's Farmers Re-Enroll in CRP

Washington, DC - Michael Bennet, U.S. Senator for Colorado, applauded an announcement made today by U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack that the USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA) will offer certain producers the opportunity to modify and extend Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contracts scheduled to expire on September 30, 2009.

"The CRP is essential in Colorado because much of the land enrolled is fragile, highly erodible land that was at the heart of the Dust Bowl of the 1930s," said Bennet. "Secretary Vilsack's announcement will enable farmers and ranchers to maintain the grass cover established through CRP and in doing so, preserve and protect our water and open lands."

Due to a statutory cap imposed in the 2008 farm bill, this year USDA can only extend approximately 1.5 million acres out of a total 3.9 million acres expiring this year. USDA's decision will offer certain producers the opportunity to modify and extend their Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contracts that are scheduled to expire this year.

For more information about CRP and other FSA programs, please visit your county FSA office or http://www.fsa.usda.gov.