What is the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program?
The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) is a part of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), the country's largest private-land conservation program. Administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA), CREP leverages federal and non-federal funds to target specific State, regional, or nationally significant conservation concerns.
In exchange for removing environmentally sensitive land from production and establishing permanent resource conserving plant species, farmers and ranchers are paid an annual rental rate along with other federal and non-federal incentives as specified in each CREP agreement. Participation is voluntary, and the contract period is typically 10-15 years.
Enrollment for producers is available year-round as signups are ongoing. Interested producers should contact their local USDA Service Center to learn more or visit the CREP for Producers webpage.
The 2018 Farm Bill broadened the types of partners USDA can work with under CREP. In addition to working with State and Tribal Governments, USDA can now partner with a wide-range of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) such as non-profits, private companies, and foundations. FSA encourages conservation partners to consider supporting a CREP project. Interested partners should contact their CREP Regional Specialist or visit the CREP for Partners webpage.
CREP Resources
CREP Fact Sheet
"FY23 CREP Partners: Annual Report Webinar"
Interested in Learning More About Partnering with USDA?
Contact the CREP Program Manager or CREP/CRP Regional Specialist for your state or region.
• Kimberly Martin, CREP Program Manager, kimberly.martin@usda.gov
• Johanna Davis, East Regional Specialist, johanna.davis@usda.gov
• Nathalie Nemitz, Central Regional Specialist, nathalie.nemitz@usda.gov
• Patrick Lewis, West Regional Specialist, patrick.lewis@usda.gov