Attention Wilkes County Farmers---the USDA has announced the enrollment of more than 800,000 acres in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Through CRP, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) helps farmers offset the costs of restoring, enhancing and protecting certain grasses, shrubs and trees that improve water quality, prevent soil erosion and strengthen wildlife habitat. Farmers’ and ranchers’ participation in CRP continues to provide numerous benefits to our nation, including helping reduce emissions of harmful greenhouse gases and providing resiliency to future weather changes. Participants in CRP establish long-term, resource-conserving plant species, and in return, the FSA provides participants with rental payments and cost-share assistance.  Contract duration is between 10 and 15 years.  To learn more about FSA’s conservation programs, visit www.fsa.usda.gov/conservation or contact the Wilkes FSA county office.