



Under CRP, farmers and ranchers plant grasses and trees in crop fields and along streams or rivers. The plantings reduce soil and nutrients from washing into waterways, reduce soil erosion that may otherwise contribute to poor air and water quality and provide valuable habitat for wildlife. Plant cover established on the acreage accepted into the CRP will reduce nutrient and sediment runoff in our nation's rivers and streams. The CRP has restored more than 2 million acres of wetlands and associated buffers and reduced soil erosion by more than 400 million tons/year.

USDA selected offers for enrollment based on an Environmental Benefits Index (EBI) comprised of five environmental factors plus cost. The five environmental factors are: wildlife enhancement, water quality, soil erosion, enduring benefits and air quality. The minimal acceptable EBI level for this signup is 200.


Under CRP, there are more than 31.3 million acres enrolled on more than 473,000 contracts. These 10-15 year contracts provide long term enduring conservation benefits in return for an annual rental payment.