FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 1, 2010
For More Information Contact: Paige Buck, State Public Affairs Specialist, (217) 353.6606
 

Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) Funds Available in Illinois

Champaign, IL—Illinois USDA Service Centers will accept applications from eligible landowners for enrollment in the Grassland Reserve Program (GRP). The purpose of GRP is the preservation and protection of existing healthy, working grasslands. Illinois NRCS has $817,000 in 2010 GRP funds, which will be issued though permanent easements and 10, 15, and 20 year rental agreements. GRP is administered through the coordinated efforts of the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). All GRP producers must be willing to implement a USDA-approved grazing management plan for the term of their agreement.

“Interested applicants can sign up for the program at any time,” says Illinois State Conservationist Bill Gradle. “But the first cut-off and batching period ends quick—April 9th, 2010.” Additional batching periods will be held every two weeks after April 9 until all GRP funds have been allocated.

Applicants should submit a form AD-1153 to their nearest NRCS or FSA County office. Permanent easements are available at the per acre payment rate indicated on NRCS’ new GRP Geographic Area Rate Cap (GARC) map. These payment rates are based on location and an up-to-date market analysis. The map can be viewed online at www.il.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/grp/index.html. For rental agreements, applicants can receive $16.50 per acre for each contract year.

“GRP works a lot like CRP, but the land doesn’t sit idle,” Gradle explains. “As grazers know, good, healthy grasslands feed profitable and healthy livestock herds. With productive land, a good grazing management plan in place, sound technical advice, and some good weather; that’s a recipe for success.”

Privately owned lands are eligible for GRP. Applicants must be in compliance with highly erodible land and wetland provisions of the Farm Bill and all Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) requirements. Landowners must have clear title for easement agreements or demonstrate control of the land for the length of the contract for rental agreements.
“Eligible land includes grassland, rangeland or pastureland,” Gradle explains. NRCS will process all eligible applications using the established 2010 GRP Ranking Criteria. Landowners must provide clear title on privately owned lands to be eligible and to participate under the easement option. Landowners or lessees who can demonstrate control of the land for the length of the contract may submit an application for a rental agreement.
To submit your application or learn more about grazing land options and conservation management tools for grazing operations, visit www.il.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/grp or call your local NRCS office today.

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