Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) by Indiana Department of Natural Resources helps restore sensitive farmland with conservation covers to improve soil, water quality, and wildlife habitat.
Funder: Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Due Dates: Rolling (applications accepted continuously; enrollment periods may vary by county and year)
Funding Amounts: Annual rental payments per acre (10–15 years) plus cost-share assistance; specific rates vary by practice, county, and year.
Summary: Supports Indiana landowners in retiring environmentally sensitive farmland to establish conservation covers that improve soil, water, and wildlife habitat.
Key Information: Applicants must coordinate with both USDA FSA and Indiana DNR Forestry; confirm current enrollment periods with your local FSA office.
Description
The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is a voluntary, long-term land retirement and conservation-cover initiative for Indiana landowners, supported by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in partnership with the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA). The program provides annual rental payments and cost-share assistance to landowners who remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and establish conservation covers such as forests, native grasses, and other vegetation. The primary goals are to enhance soil quality, protect water resources, reduce erosion, and create wildlife habitat across Indiana's agricultural landscape.
