Final CRP Guidelines

                                              Release No. 0044.97

Media Advisory

                                   Jim Petterson (202) 720-4623
                                   Wayne Baggett (202) 720-2032

AGRICULTURE SECRETARY GLICKMAN TO ANNOUNCE FINAL CONSERVATION RESERVE   
PROGRAM GUIDELINES

     WASHINGTON, Feb. 11, 1997--Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman will
hold a press conference Wednesday, February 12 to announce the final
regulations governing the Conservation Reserve Program.

     Under the CRP, landowners sign contracts and agree to convert highly
erodible and other environmentally sensitive cropland to approved
conservation uses for a set period of time.  In exchange, participating
landowners and operators receive annual rental payments and cost-share
assistance.  There are now over 32 million acres enrolled in the program.

     Glickman's press conference will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. in room
107-A of the Jamie L. Whitten Building, 14th and Independence, SW in
Washington, D.C.  Reporters outside of Washington can listen to the news
conference, on a first-come, first-serve basis, by calling 1-800-832-7259. 
Those reporters located in the Washington, D.C. area can listen to the news
conference by calling 202-720-8436.

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