GLICKMAN KICKS OFF SIGN-UP PERIOD FOR CONSERVATION RESERVE 


                                            Release No. 0353.97
                                                               
     Jim Petterson (202) 720-4623
     Wayne Baggett (202) 720-2032


GLICKMAN KICKS OFF SIGN-UP PERIOD FOR CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM 

     WASHINGTON, Oct. 14, 1997- Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman today
announced the opening of the 16th sign-up period for the Conservation Reserve
Program (CRP). Farmers and ranchers for the next five weeks will be able to
apply to enroll environmentally sensitive lands in the CRP.  The sign-up
period closes on Friday, November 14.

     "I want to encourage all landowners to consider enrolling their eligible
environmentally-sensitive land in this program," Glickman said.  "I strongly
urge farmers and ranchers to get all the facts about how the CRP can be
applied across their entire landscape.  They have many options to consider
because so many different types of land are eligible for CRP enrollment, from
cropped wetlands, highly erodible land, and edges of cropped fields to strips
of land next to streams and rivers, field wind breaks and more."

     The program was modified recently to emphasize benefits to the
environment in reducing soil erosion, water and air pollution, and enhancing
wildlife habitat.  The first sign-up under the new rules was held in March of
this year.

     The CRP is a voluntary program under which landowners and operators
enter into contracts with USDA to place highly erodible and other
environmentally-sensitive cropland into the program for 10-15 years.  In
exchange, landowners receive annual rental payments for the land and cost-share assistance for establishing conservation practices.  

     "The last sign-up was very successful," said Glickman. "And I expect
great results this time as well.  USDA field employees are working hard to
inform producers about this important opportunity."

     Glickman said all land that is enrolled in the program must compete for
acceptance based on an Environmental Benefits Index (EBI) that ensures fair
and equal consideration for all types of land.  The EBI evaluates the offers
based on seven factors: soil erosion; wildlife habitat; water quality; air
quality; enduring benefits; priority areas; and cost.

     "Applicants should be aware that CRP is a highly competitive program and
that the Environmental Benefits Index (EBI) system was changed for this sign-up to address concerns arising from the 15th sign-up and to better protect the
nation's natural resource base," Glickman said.  "I encourage applicants to
consult with USDA experts locally on steps they can take to maximize EBI
points.   Landowners who do this have a higher likelihood that their acreage
will be accepted."

     Approximately 27.8 million acres are under CRP contracts as of October
1, 1997.  Just over 4.8 million acres are under contracts that expire next
year on September 30.  USDA is authorized to maintain enrollment of up to 36.4
million acres.  

     The CRP is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm
Service Agency (FSA), in cooperation with the Natural Resources Conservation
Service (NRCS), the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension
Service, State forestry agencies, and local soil and water conservation
districts.
     
     Further information is available at local FSA and NRCS offices, which
are listed in telephone books under "United States Government, U.S. Department
of Agriculture."

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