Payment program
General Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA)
What you can get
Annual rental payments for 10 to 15 year contracts plus cost-share to establish approved grasses or trees • Competitive: offers are ranked by the Environmental Benefits Index (EBI); meeting a previous EBI threshold does not guarantee a contract.
- Readiness
- Local office first
- Who can apply
- producer, Producers and landowners with eligible cropland who can offer whole fields for long term resource conserving cover during a general signup
- Coverage
- Available nationwide
- Deadline & timing
- The 2026 general CRP signup ran March 9 to April 17, 2026 and is closed. FSA announces general signups annually, usually in late winter; offers are ranked by the Environmental Benefits Index (EBI) and accepted above a cutoff score set after the signup ends. Contact your county FSA office ahead of the next signup.
- Eligibility
- Eligible applicants: producer, Producers and landowners with eligible cropland who can offer whole fields for long-term resource-conserving cover during a general signup.
Optional expert service · $249
Turn program research into an application package.
An eligibility screen against your farm details, matched cost-share programs ranked by fit with ranking dates, pre-drafted practice justifications, and a document checklist through submission. Delivered within 7 business days after intake.
Last verified Sep 9, 2026. Always confirm current terms and deadlines on the official site before applying.
Plan your next step
Run a quick soil assessment or ask an agronomist how this program fits your fields.