Number: RS21613
Title: Conservation Reserve Program: Status and Current Issues
Authors: Tadlock Cowan, Analyst in Natural Resources and Rural Development 
Abstract: The 2008 farm bill (P.L. 110-246) reauthorizes CRP through FY2012 but lowers the maximum acreage level to 32 million acres, down from the previous cap of 39.2 million acres. Haying and grazing conditions on CRP land are amended, and incentives are authorized to assist socially disadvantaged and beginning farmers in leasing or purchasing land under a CRP contract. December 2008 national enrollment stands at 33.6 million acres, a decrease of approximately 1.1 million acres from August and 3 million acres from September 2007. Most of the decreased acreage was in North Dakota and South Dakota. There was no CRP general sign-up in FY2008, although there was a continuous sign-up. A sign-up for critical feed use (CFU) haying and grazing was announced by USDA in May. A U.S. District Court issued a permanent injunction in July against the CFU except for those who applied before a temporary restraining order issued on July 8. The CFU exemption expired in November. Between 2007 and 2010, 27.8 million acres under CRP contracts will expire. Contracts for approximately 23 million (83%) of these acres have been renewed or extended.
Pages: 8
Date: January 14, 2009