Submit Illinois CSP applications for 2023

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — State Conservationist Ivan Dozier announced the submission deadline for Conservation Stewardship Program applications to be considered for funding in fiscal year 2023 is Feb. 3.

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service plans to invest up to $12.1 million for new CSP contracts in Illinois.

CSP is a financial assistance conservation program which helps agricultural and forestland producers take the conservation activities on their farm to the next level.

“CSP continues to be a very effective tool for producers working to achieve their conservation and management goals,” Dozier said.

While applications are accepted throughout the year, interested producers should submit applications to their local NRCS office by Feb. 3 to ensure their applications are considered for 2023 funding.

CSP provides many benefits, including increased crop yields, decreased input costs, wildlife habitat improvements and increased resilience to weather extremes. The program is for working lands, including cropland, pastureland and nonindustrial private forestland.

CSP helps agricultural and forestland producers build on existing conservation efforts while strengthening their entire operation.

Producers interested in CSP should submit a signed application to the local NRCS field office or through the farmers.gov website using their account. A blank NRCS-CPA-1200 form may be obtained from the local office.

CSP applications submitted by Feb. 3 will be evaluated by the local NRCS field office staff. NRCS staff will work with applicants to assess their land and resource concerns, answer ranking questions and determine program eligibility.

If an application is ranked high enough to be funded, NRCS staff will work with the applicant to develop a contract.