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U-S DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PROGRAMS TO
HELP PRODUCERS PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT AND MAKE IT
THROUGH TOUGH ECONOMIC TIMES HAVE BEEN AROUND FOR
A WHILE.
THE CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM, OR C-R-P, HAS
BEEN AROUND FOR TWENTY FIVE YEARS.
A RECENT SIGN-UP SHOWED THAT THE PROGRAM THAT
HELPS FARMERS REDUCE SOIL EROSION AND PROTECT
WILDLIFE HABITAT IS STILL POPULAR.
Jonathan Coppess: It's the first time in four years
we've had a general sign up.
And you know you talk about some of the market
dynamics to see the amount of acreage offered during
that month long sign up at the same time that a lot of
prices were increasing is I think a great
validator of how important folks see the program.
BUT, AS COPPESS SAYS, LEARNING THE BEST WAY TO
RUN PRODUCER PROGRAMS IN AN ONGOING PROCESS.
Coppess: We look forward to what more we can figure
out as we go.What are some of the specific things
we're seeing and hearing on the ground.
THE FARM SERVICE AGENCY ALSO RUNS SAFETY NET AND
LOAN PROGRAMS TO HELP PRODUCERS TO GET STARTED
AND STAY IN FARMING.
Coppess: One of our strong points of pride with our
lending programs is how much we get out to
beginning and young farmers.
To get those farmers started and then not just
getting a loan out there but working with them on
the business plan and on the operation so that we
see them succeed.
COPPESS SAYS F-S-A'S PROGRAMS ARE NEEDED TO
KEEP YOUNGER PRODUCERS ON THE LAND AND ATTRACT NEW
FARMERS TO REPLACE AN AGING FARM POPULATION.
IN WASHINGTON D-C FOR THE U-S DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURE, I'M BOB ELLISON.