Agricultural producers and private landowners interested in the Conservation Reserve Program can sign up for the popular program. The annual enrollment period began Monday and continues until Feb. 12.

The competitive program, administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency, provides annual rental payments for land devoted to conservation purposes.

“This signup for the Conservation Reserve Program gives producers and landowners an opportunity to enroll for the first time or continue their participation for another term,” Nivin A. Elgohary said. “This program encourages conservation on sensitive lands or low-yielding acres, which provides tremendous benefits for stewardship of our natural resources and wildlife.”

Through CRP, farmers and ranchers establish long-term, resource-conserving plant species, such as approved grasses or trees, to control soil erosion, improve water quality and enhance wildlife habitat on cropland. Farmers and ranchers who participate in CRP help provide num...