Enrollment for Continuous CRP (CCRP) is open again. Earlier in the year, enrollment for CCRP had opened temporarily between June 3 and August 23. This was the first CRP enrollment opening since the passing of the 2018 farm bill. Now, as of December 9, enrollment has opened again for as long as availability lasts.
While this current enrollment period includes CCRP and general CRP, it does not include CREP.
If you’re interested in enrolling in general CRP, make sure to check out our post from last week. Today, we’ll be focusing on CCRP for 2020, and why you should act quickly if you’re going to enroll.
Continuous CRP (Non-CREP) Enrollment for 2020
Continuous CRP operates under the USDA’s CRP program, focusing specifically on environmentally sensitive land. Unlike general CRP, there is no bidding system for CCRP. If your land meets the requirements, and there is land available for enrollment, you’re automatically accepted.
If you have marginal land that qualifies for CCRP, now is the time to enroll. Contracts for new acres begin immediately after approval, meaning you won’t have to worry about farming the land come springtime.
Instead, you can begin to establish CRP and receive a rental payment in October from FSA. Since your contract will begin mid-year, you will be prorated for you’re the first year of payments based on the start date with the first year ending on September 30, 2020.
In addition to the rental payments, CRP covers up to 50% of the cost of establishment.
For those who already hold CCRP contracts that are within 6 months of expiring, you may also reenroll for 2020. For reenrollment, the NRCS is not required to determine the need, feasibility, or suitability of your land, but they do need to ensure that the current land is functioning properly and meets the current practice standards.
Making CCRP Enrollment and Establishment Simple
While CCRP offers a great opportunity to qualifying farmers and landowners, the enrollment, establishment, and reporting process can be difficult. In fact, the latest rules and requirements make the CRP program more complex than it’s ever been.
That’s not to say you shouldn’t enroll. You should just make sure to partner with someone who knows what they’re doing.
At FDCE, we provide turn-key solutions that handle the entire establishment process for CRP contract holders. It’s our job as CRP service contractors to understand the requirements and the nuances of the program so you don’t have to. From seed purchasing to planting to reporting and beyond, we make sure your CRP experience runs smoothly and that you receive the maximum cost-share reimbursement as quickly as possible.
For 2020 CRP enrollment and establishment, contact us today!