WASHINGTON, Oct. 29, 2013 – Farmers waiting for their
Conservation Security or Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) payments should
receive them in the coming days, USDA says. The shutdown of the federal
government delayed some of the $907 million in payments from USDA's Natural
Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to CSP participants who have enrolled
millions of acres to improve the overall conservation performance of their
operations.
"Farmers and ranchers are stewards of our natural
resources, and their efforts show the value of conservation – working farms,
ranches, and forests can provide food and fiber as well as clean water and
valuable wildlife habitat," NRCS Chief Jason Weller said. "We're
happy to have our staff back in the field where they can continue working with
farmers and ranchers to put conservation practices on the ground."
The payments are part of a financial assistance program for
producers who are already established conservation stewards and are
implementing additional conservation activities for higher, farm-level benefits
on their property. NRCS says this work leads to cleaner water and air,
healthier soil and enhanced wildlife habitat, while also supporting rural
economies.
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