The USDA's Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) has extended its deadline for enrollments in the Conservation Stewardship Program to January 27. An earlier deadline of January 13 had been announced.

The Conservation Stewardship Program, or CSP, provides technical and financial assistance to qualified farmers; payments are based on current conservation practices and a commitment to do more conservation in future years.

"This is good news for farmers in Illinois." said Claudia Emken, conservation policy advocate at Illinois Stewardship Alliance. "This gives them more time to apply for CSP and receive funding for the good conservation work they are already doing; We encourage farmers to contact NRCS to learn more about the program."

Self screening is available on the NRCS website and will help determine if the farm under consideration is eligible.

Illinois has nearly 1,000 participants in CSP now, covering almost 600,000 acres. Conservation Stewardship Program contracts run for five years, and nationally pay an average of $18 per acre for cropland and pastureland and $4 per acre for privately owned forestland, although payments vary significantly depending on the level of conservation.

Farmers and private forestland owners can apply to the Conservation Stewardship Program anytime by going to their local NRCS office. To be considered for funding in this ranking period, applications must be submitted prior to January 27, 2012.

 Originally posted by the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition

With the demise of the Super Committee and its deficit reduction bill that never happened, attention has now turned to crafting a new farm bill as a stand alone measure in 2012.  This week Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) said farm bill action will begin again with some hearings in late January or February, noting that the outline of the bill she and House Chair Frank Lucas (R-OK) crafted for the Super Committee would serve as the foundation for a new 2012 Farm Bill.

The draft bill aimed at Super Committee consideration has not been released, nor has an accurate detailed summary of its contents.  It appears that will remain the case.  We summarized some of the key ingredients in the draft bill for our readers last week.

There continues to be speculation about the possibility of attaching a farm bill, either the draft 2011 Stabenow-Lucas measure or a variation on it, to a resuscitated government-wide deficit-reduction measure or as an offset to another spending or tax cut measure, as an alternative to proceeding to a stand alone farm bill under a more regular legislative process.  The verdict for now is to head into the new year looking at a more normal farm bill process as the default setting but at the same time keeping options open as Congress grapples with larger spending, stimulus, tax, and deficit reduction measures.

Some policymakers have suggested starting all over next year from a clean slate.  That seems highly unlikely.  To the extent that sentiment is more than rhetoric, however, it appears to be aimed primarily at the commodity title of the bill, and there is little doubt that it was the most problematic aspect of the bill and will likely remain so.  There may be some hope that a return to more regular order, with the prospect of the amendment process in committee and on the floor, will tamp down some of the wilder elements in the draft commodity title.   For starters, perhaps, interest groups and Members will possibly think twice about provisions that would have distorted planting decisions and increased payment limits, knowing the difficulties they would face defending such propositions on the floor.

Another big area for changes, albeit one that has received little attention, are all the titles that were not at all fleshed out other than simple date-changing re-authorizations in the rush to complete a bill in time for Super Committee consideration.  These include among others the credit, rural development, research, and trade titles.  There are both funding issues and policy issues to be faced in all of these titles.  Though they do not generally receive the same attention as the big money titles (nutrition, crop insurance, commodities, and conservation), there is major policy work to be done that by and large was not attended to in the hurry-up 2011 draft bill.  Even in some of the big money titles there is more work to be done on the policy front than there was time for in 2011.

The new fiscal reality facing the 2012 Farm Bill is the automatic cuts to government spending that will trigger in January 2013 as a result of the Super Committee’s inaction.  There continues to be lots of talk about possible ways sequestration, as the automatic cuts are know, might be un-triggered, either yet this year in some mega-negotiation over the remaining FY 2012 government funding bills and big ticket items like payroll tax cuts, alternative minimum tax rules, and Medicare payments to doctors, or next year as part of a new try at a deficit reduction deal.  As of now, however, the betting line would still favor sequestration hitting in 2013.

If that betting line holds, any farm bill written next year will have to assume sequestration will in fact take effect.  The biggest loser in that scenario is the crop insurance program, the largest of the farm subsidies.  It is also one of the more perplexing items in the farm bill-sequestration interface.  Crop insurance policy changes to meet the sequestration budget cut target will be determined by the Administration and will be formulated at the same time that the Agriculture Committees will be trying to write crop insurance provisions for the new farm bill.  That dual and possibly conflicting process might in turn lead to some intriguing negotiations.

As we discussed in an earlier blog, there are many possible scenarios under which a farm bill gets finished next year and others in which it is not completed until 2013.  It may be months yet before the ultimate path to the new farm bill becomes clear.  Our position will remain to work for a new farm bill that addresses the pressing needs for programs and policies that promote a more sustainable farm and food system and to get that new bill completed on schedule in 2012.

The deadline for one of the most comprehensive conservation programs offered by the USDA's Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) has been  set for January 13, 2012. The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) provides technical and financial assistance to qualified farmers; payments are based on current conservation practices and a commitment to do more conservation in future years. Applications for CSP that are submitted before January 13 will be considered for funding in this first ranking period which was announced last week by NRCS, .

"We are urging all farmers to consider enrolling in CSP," said Claudia Emken, conservation policy advocate at Illinois Stewardship Alliance. "Applying for the program now will put farmers in a position to receive funding for the good conservation work they are already doing and NRCS will help them decide what additional conservation work they can do to solve resource issues on their farm."

Self screening is available on the NRCS website and will help determine if the farm under consideration is eligible. "We encourage producers interested in learning more about CSP to contact their local NRCS office," said Ron Ziehm, NRCS Assistant State Conservationist for Area 1 (23 counties in Southern Illinois). "NRCS staff will help the producer complete a resource inventory for their farm that will identify existing and possible new conservation activities for their farm."

Illinois has nearly 1,000 participants in CSP now, covering almost 600,000 acres "As an organic farmer I enrolled in CSP to enhance field borders and improve nitrogen levels through cover crops. I encourage all farmers to look at CSP to enhance their operations," said Harold Wilken, a farmer from Danforth, who enrolled in CSP in 2010.

Conservation Stewardship Program contracts run for five years, and nationally pay an average of $18 per acre for cropland and pastureland and $4 per acre for privately owned forestland, although payments vary significantly depending on the level of conservation. Farmers and private forestland owners can apply to the Conservation Stewardship Program anytime by going to their local NRCS office. To be considered for funding in this ranking period, applications must be submitted prior to January 13, 2012.

Are your local farmers, farmers market, CSA and food coop important to you? Are you a farmer interested in having access to new and emerging direct market opportunities like farmers markets and restaurants? What about having fresh, local food for your child's school meals? Or how about selling your fresh fruits and vegetables to local institutions? We have a rare and important opportunity for you to support the continued growth of local food systems in Illinois.

In the coming days, we will be joining members of Congress and other farm and food groups in introducing the Local Farms, Food, and Jobs Act! This bill is what is called a "marker bill" and is intended to influence the writing of the federal farm bill (Hopefully we get a chance to do that!). More information below. 

The goal of the bill is to advance the development of local and regional farm and food systems in the next farm bill -- from farm to table. Local food systems not only hold potential for connecting consumers with where their food comes from, but also for boosting farm income, stimulating job creation and economic development, and meeting public health and nutrition goals.

The bill will address the needs of consumers in accessing food from their local communities and the needs of farmers and ranchers producing for local and regional markets, including infrastructure and processing capabilities. While there are growing "relocalization" efforts and local food economies across the nation, policy reforms are needed to overcome barriers and more fully capitalize on the new farming opportunities, jobs, and economic growth this sector can deliver.

Ask your two Senators and your Representative to co-sponsor the Local Farms, Food, and Jobs Act! We need support from as many legislators as possible.   

Don't know who your State Representative is or how to contact them?

You can look up your elected officials based on your home address by clicking here.

It's easy to call:

When you call a Senate or House office, ask for the staff member who works on agricultural issues. If the agriculture staffer isn't available, leave a message and have them call you back.

The Message is Simple:

I am a constituent, calling to urge Senator/Congress(wo)man __________ to co-sponsor the Local Farms, Food, and Jobs Act.   This legislation is about to be introduced in the House and Senate. It will help boost farm income and meet consumer demand. It's a job creator and a cost-effective, smart investment. Can I count on Senator/Congress(wo)man_________ to be a co-sponsor?

If your Senator will co-sponsor or wants more information: Tell them to communicate with Senator Sherrod Brown's office. 

If your Representative will co-sponsor or wants more information: Tell them to communicate with Representative Chellie Pingree's office.

The Federal Farm Bill & The Local Farms, Food & Jobs Act 

 The farm bill is a comprehensive omnibus bill that is written every 4-6 years. The farm bill is the single most influential piece of legislation when it comes to structuring the food and farm system in the U.S. The farm bill determines the size and structure of our subsidy programs, support for farmers markets and specialty crops, conservation agriculture policy, the size and structure of SNAP (formerly food stamps), support for rural development, support for organic agriculture and much more.

During the writing of the farm bill, coalitions and organizations often introduce what are called "marker bills," these are introduced as conversation pieces with goal of having the content of the "marker bill" be included in the farm bill. The more co-sponsors a "marker bill" has the more likely it will be included in the farm bill.

However, last week the Agriculture Committee leadership proposed to rewrite the food and farm bill in 2 weeks - yes you heard that right, 2 weeks - this is usually a year plus process and they want to do it in 2 weeks behind closed doors?! This would be the fastest food and farm bill decision-making process in history - 7 days from today - and will be decided without your input. Which is why the timing of the Local Farms, Food & Jobs Act being introduced now is critical.

The Local Farms, Food & Jobs Act is a comprehensive local and regional food systems "marker bill" that is being introduced by Representative Chellie Pingree and Senator Sherrod Brown.

The Local Farms, Food, and Jobs Act will improve federal farm bill programs that support local and regional farm and food systems. This legislation will help farmers and ranchers engaged in local and regional agriculture by addressing production, aggregation, processing, marketing, and distribution needs and will also assist consumers by improving access to healthy food and direct and retail markets. And of utmost importance, this legislation will provide more secure funding for critically important programs that support family farms, expand new farming opportunities, and invest in the local agriculture economy.

The Local Farms, Food & Jobs Act will:

Boost Income and Opportunities for Farmers and Ranchers

Improve Local and Regional Food System Infrastructure and Markets

Expand Access to Healthy Foods for Consumers

Enhance Agriculture Research and Extension   

A factsheet outlining some of the provisions in the Local Farms, Food, & Jobs Act can be found here.   

On April 6th, local foodies, farmers, and citizens from across the state will come together in Springfield to encourage their legislators to support local food and farms. Illinois Stewardship Alliance invites you to join us for our 2nd annual local food and farm lobby day in Springfield on April 6th, from 10a.m. - 3p.m. at the Pasfield House and IL State Capitol Complex in Springfield.

Local Food Awareness Day will consist of a legislative update, orientation, lobbying 101 training, and lunch at the Pasfield House. Following lunch we will descend upon the capitol to educate legislators about the importance of local food systems and advocate for positive policy solutions that promote and support local food systems in Illinois.

Cost: $15 (FREE for members) - includes lobbying training, orientation and lunch at the Pasfield House 

*Additionally you may become a member now for $25 (1 year membership) which will allow you to attend lobby day for free.

Registration: To register for the 2011 Local Food Awareness Day @ the Captiol click here. Registration deadline is March 30th.

Payment can be made by sending a check to Illinois Stewrdship Alliance, 401 W. Jackson Parkway, Springfield IL, 62704 (Please make sure you register at the link above before sending a check) or by calling the ISA office at 217-528-1563 (ask for Dee). Or use paypal online by clicking here.

For more information contact ISA's Policy coordinator, Wes King at wes@ilstewards.org

Are you interested and concerned about how state and federal policy affects the burgeoning local food movement in Illinois? Are you interested in becoming a voice for the local food movement and helping to shape the future of local food related public policy?  If so please join us for the Illinois Stewardship Alliance’s (ISA) inaugural annual state policy meeting. 

On December 13^th, ISA’s Grassroots Policy Committee will be holding its inaugural annual state policy meeting to bring local farm and food stakeholders together to gather input on and discuss those issues facing Illinois’ small farmers and local food system stakeholders.

More information click here.

On June 3rd, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that USDA published the final regulations governing the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). Authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill, CSP is a voluntary program that offers payments to producers who exercise good land stewardship and want to improve their conservation performance.

Vilsack also announced that the enrollment period for CSP's second year, which is currently open, has been extended an additional two weeks, now closing June 25, 2010.

Administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), CSP is available to all producers regardless of operation size, crops produced, or geographic location. Eligible lands include cropland, pastureland, rangeland, non-industrial private forest land, and agricultural land under the jurisdiction of an Indian tribe. Under the final rule published today and effective immediately, the program retains the broad features outlined in the interim final rule, including:

• CSP pays participants for conservation performance – the higher the performance, the higher the payment.
• Producers get credit both for conservation measures they have already implemented and for new measures they agree to add.
• CSP is offered in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Pacific and Caribbean areas through continuous sign-up, with announced cut-off dates for ranking and funding applications.

The experience gained during the program's first year, and comments received from partners and the public during the 90-day public comment period, have contributed to a number of important changes in the program rules. The program's new features include the following:

• Higher payment rate for additional conservation performance. USDA is implementing a split payment structure, with one payment rate for existing conservation activities and a higher payment rate for new activities. This is expected to encourage producers to apply more new activities and thereby generate greater environmental benefits.
• Higher payment limit. The total contract limitation for joint operations is increased from $200,000 to $400,000, with annual payment limits increased from $40,000 to $80,000 to fairly compensate joint operations that produce environmental benefit levels needed to earn the payments.
• New minimum payment. To directly encourage participation by small-scale, historically underserved producers, the rule establishes a minimum payment of $1,000.
• Pastured cropland. "Pastured cropland" is added as a new designation with a higher payment than "pastureland" because of the greater income foregone by producers who maintain a grass-based livestock production system on land suitable for cropping.
• Enhancements. Some conservation enhancements work better when implemented as a system and under the new rule are offered as enhancement "bundles." Participants who implement such comprehensive bundles get higher rankings and higher payments.
• Resource-conserving crop rotation. In response to extensive public comment, the definition of "resource-conserving crop rotation" is revised to require the use of grass and/or legumes. Since resource-conserving crops receive supplemental payments under CSP, the rule change ensures that the crops provide a sufficient level of environmental benefit.

Other changes in the regulation give producers greater flexibility in establishing their eligibility to apply for CSP and in certifying their control of the land.

Potential applicants are encouraged to use the CSP self-screening checklist to determine whether CSP is suitable for their operation and apply prior to the closing date of June 25, 2010, when applications will be scored, ranked, and funded. The checklist, which highlights basic information about CSP eligibility requirements, contract obligations, and payments, and additional information about CSP, may be obtained from the national CSP Web site ( www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/new_csp/csp.html) or individual state NRCS offices ( www.nrcs.usda.gov/about/organization/regions.html).

USDA published the CSP interim final rule on July 29, 2009, and solicited comment through October 28, 2009. Initially scheduled to end on September 28, 2009, the comment period was extended to encourage comments throughout the program's first enrollment period. NRCS received 1,534 comments and reviewed and considered each one. Responses to the comments are incorporated in the final rule released today. The final rule can be viewed at: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-12699.pdf

Vermillion County farm showcases benefits of the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)

The Green family farm in Fithian, Illinois has been in production for almost 120 years.  They manage 800 acres of no-till corn and soybeans, forests, prairies, and wetlands located in scenic Vermilion County and have been protecting their natural resources for generations. A Conservation Farm Tour will be held at 10 AM on June 2, 2010 to showcase Green’s operation and discuss CSP details with interested private landowners and producers.

Owner, Kevin Green has participated in conservation programs for many years. He manages his wildlife and wetlands through USDA’s Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP) and Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).  He also participates in the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Rural Forest Landowner Assistance Program that offers cost-share and assistance to manage forest land, and works with numerous other programs that assist with soil and water management activities on his operation.

According to Kevin Green, “Managing my natural resources is a top priority. I also serve on the local Soil and Water Conservation District board and I am the past chair of the local Pheasants Forever chapter.” With so many conservation practices in place on his farm, Kevin was happy when the NRCS’ Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) came out in 2009. 

Devin Brown, Conservation Policy Advocate with the Illinois Stewardship Alliance says “CSP is designed for landowners who have a history of managing their soil and water resources with grassed waterways, filter strips, and hedgerows and who want to do even more.”

“Kevin is an extremely conservation-minded individual and a motivated producer.  He has many valuable conservation practices in place on his land and participates in numerous conservation programs.  CSP is a perfect fit for Kevin,” says Glen Franke, NRCS District Conservationist for Vermilion County.

The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), administered by USDA NRCS, is a voluntary conservation program designed to encourage agricultural and forestry producers to adopt additional conservation practices and improve, maintain and manage existing ones.  Eligible lands include cropland, grassland, prairie, improved pastureland, rangeland, non-industrial private forestland, and agricultural land.

Remarking on the benefits of CSP, Green said, “Using CSP has allowed me to develop new grassed waterways, windbreaks, and riparian field borders.”

NRCS, in cooperation with the Illinois Stewardship Alliance, will sponsor a Conservation Farm Tour at the Green family farm on Wednesday, June 2, 2010 from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm.  The tour will consist of:

- A tour Kevin Green’s beautiful farm, highlighting conservation practices

- A light lunch with refreshments

- A discussion of the Conservation Stewardship Program’s incentives, eligibility requirements, and conservation benefits

The Green Family Farm’s address is 17938 N 680 E Road, Fithian, IL 61844

Directions: from I-74, take exit 206 toward Oakwood.  Turn right on Newton Rd for ½ mile. Turn left on 1800 North for 2 miles. Turn right on 680 East. Take the first driveway on the right.

According to Franke, “Many landowners in Vermilion County—and within our whole region--could benefit from CSP.  Farmers who practice conservation tillage, have grassed waterways to control erosion where they are needed, filter strips to protect streams or other water bodies on their farms, and manage their nutrients should apply.”

The Conservation Stewardship Program is now available statewide through continuous enrollment with announced cut-off application dates for ranking periods.  The next ranking cut-off for 2010 sign-up is June 11, 2010.  To learn if CSP is right for your operation, join us at Kevin Green’s Farm, visit http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/new_csp/csp.html, or call your local NRCS office.

Illinois Stewardship Alliance is a statewide membership that promotes ecologically sustainable, economically viable, socially just local food systems through policy development, advocacy and education

NRCS: Helping People Help The Land. USDA NRCS is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

Meeting on Thursday, June 3 on the benefits of the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)

Southern Illinois farmers, ranchers, and wood lot owners are invited to an informational meeting on Thursday, June 3 on the Conservation Stewardship Program.  The meeting will be held at the City of Harrisburg, Pruett Building, 107 East Church Street in downtown Harrisburg from 11:00 to 1:00.  Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), administered by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), is a voluntary conservation program designed to encourage agricultural and forestry producers to adopt additional conservation practices and improve, maintain and manage existing ones.  Eligible lands include cropland, grassland, prairie, improved pastureland, rangeland, non-industrial private forestland, and agricultural land.

Producers who enroll and are accepted receive a 5 year CSP contract with a payment cap of $200,000.   In 2009 Illinois had 175,298 acres enrolled in CSP, which totaled over $4 million in payments to farmers, ranchers, and forest owners.  However, few Southern Illinois Counties showed much interest in the program.

“A lot of farms in Southern Illinois are diverse.” says Devin Brown, Conservation Policy Advocate with the Illinois Stewardship Alliance.  “Many of these farms have some forest, some pasture, some crop land, and most already manage their land for erosion, water quality, and nutrients.  Because CSP includes so many conservation practices and land uses, it could really work well for farmers down in this part of the state.”

“I manage my forests for health, productivity, and wildlife habitat.” says Josh Brown of Jackson County who received a 2009 CSP contract.  “CSP payments help with the cost of invasive species control, timber stand improvement, and erosion control.”

“CSP encourages enhanced conservation, but also rewards landowners with a history of land stewardship.” says Troy Daniell, NRCS Assistant State Conservationist for Southern Illinois.  “It promotes sustainable agricultural ecosystems by improving water quality, air quality, and energy conservation.” 

Commenting on CSP sign-up, Robert Mount of Johnson County says “I have forest, crop land, and hay land enrolled in CSP.  The sign-up went pretty smooth.  As long as you keep good records, it is straight forward.”

The Conservation Stewardship Program is now available statewide through continuous enrollment with announced cut-off application dates for ranking periods.  The next ranking cut-off for 2010 sign-up is June 11, 2010.  To learn if CSP is right for your operation, come to the informational meeting June 3rd, visit http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/new_csp/csp.html, or call your local NRCS office.

Illinois Stewardship Alliance is a statewide membership that promotes ecologically sustainable, economically viable, socially just local food systems through policy development, advocacy and education

                                                                                                                                                             NRCS: Helping People Help The Land. USDA NRCS is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is a working lands conservation program that provides technical and financial assistance to farmers who practice soil and water conservation, promote wildlife habitat, encourage carbon sequestration, and conserve water and energy.  Since CSP sign-up is nation-wide, it has the potential of enhancing water quality in every watershed within the US.  CSP encourages active conservation of working lands, thereby keeping land in production while conserving natural resources.   

In President Obama’s budget released February 1, 2010, over 769,000 acres will be permanently removed from CSP, which is the equivalent to nearly 14 million dollars that won’t go to farmers.  It is up to our representatives to block this threat to conservation and ensure that the mandatory funding that was established by Congress remains intact.

The message is simple:  Please thank Senator Durbin for his past support and ask him to protect the full funding for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) with no limitations placed on its funding as passed in the 2008 Farm Bill.

It’s easy to write or call. Below are Senator Durbin’s address, fax and phone numbers.  Simple letters in your own words are best. (Faxing to Congress is more reliable than U.S. mail.)  If you can’t write, please call and ask for his aide listed below.  If she is unavailable, please leave messages on her voice mailbox with your key points, name and phone number.

The Honorable Dick Durbin
United States Senate
309 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510-1304
Phone: (202) 224-2152
Fax: (202) 228-0400

Ask for Erin Collinson

Talking points:

• You live in Illinois.  You seek full funding for the Conservation Stewardship Program as passed in the 2008 Farm Bill.  CSP’s financial and technical assistance helps farmers and ranchers nationwide implement sound conservation systems that improve soil, water, and ecosystem health.  The Farm Bill provides mandatory funding for CSP.  It is crucial that funding authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill be fully protected!

• CSP rewards innovative and proactive stewardship practices, while keeping farmers and their land in production. Assistance applies to the full spectrum of working agricultural lands, from cropland to pasture to rangeland.

For more information on the Conservation Stewardship Program contact:
Devin Brown
Conservation Policy Advocate
devin@ilstewards.org
618-771-0237

On February 23rd, 2010, at 6:30pm in the Carnegie Room of the Lincoln Library Main Branch in Springfield, Illinois Stewardship Alliance will be co-sponsoring with the Sierra Club Sangamon Valley Group a showing of the new short film Big River: A King Corn Companion.

Following the film Stacey James, Water Resource Scientist with Prairie Rivers Network will be on hand to discuss the impacts of agriculture run-off to water quality in Illinois.

Big River is a follow-up to the Peabody Award-winning documentary King Corn. King Corn told the story of two friends, one acre of corn, and the subsidized crop that enabled a fast-food nation. Big River picks-up where King Corn left off. Big River investigates and explores the environmental impact that the one acre of corn from King Corn has on the people and places located downstream. Big River documents and explores the impact chemical-intensive agriculture has on the water quality from the heartland to the Gulf of Mexico.

Agribusiness… It’s in the Water

Is your Illinois-based organization interested in hosting a showing of Big River in your community?  Contact Wes King, 217-528-1563, wes@ilstewards.org.