Conservation Stewardship Program

The CSP pays farmers to improve, maintain, or adopt conservation practices on their farms. Farmers are paid annually under a five-year contract with the option to renew for an additional five years if they agree to adopt additional conservation objectives. In 2016, USDA offered farmers new eligible practices under the CSP, including “planting for high carbon sequestration rate.” CSP has the statutory authority to prioritize low-carbon practices specifically under 16 USC §3839aa-24.