04/03/07 A new CRP program

Washington Ag April 3, 2007 USDA's Farm Service Agency has unveiled a new 500-thousand acre Conservation Reserve Program practice to improve habitat for high priority wildlife species throughout the U.S. It is called the State Areas for Wildlife Enhancement, or SAFE initiative. Rod Hamilton of the Washington State FSA office says Washington has been allocated up to eight thousand acres for SAFE. Hamilton: "It provides a little bit more flexibility and some additional payments so we have had at least some initial enquiries from some wildlife folks who might be interested in targeting a particular area." Hamilton says this will have to be new CRP land. Hamilton: "The other thing that is going to be a significant restriction in our state is that we would not be able to offer it in any country that is already at the 25% cap. We have several counties in that position and we would not be able to do anything in those areas." State FSA offices are expected to begin accepting proposals beginning in August of this year. The later FSA state offices will begin to announce approved SAFE proposals and sign up periods. In addition to the usual CRP payments, with SAFE, producers will get a one-time $100 an acre Signing Incentive Payment. They may also get a practice incentive payment. I'm Bob Hoff.