Michigan agricultural producers and non-industrial private forest land owners have until June 11, 2010, to apply for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) 2010 sign-up. Producers accepted into the program receive annual payments for implementing and maintaining conservation activities on their land.

 

All types of agricultural producers are eligible to enroll in CSP including forest land owners, specialty crop producers, livestock producers and row crop farmers. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service administers CSP and is currently accepting applications. Applications received after the June 11 cut-off date will not be considered for funding until another selection period is announced. NRCS can enroll up to 159,555 acres into the program during 2010.

 

Producers accepted into the program will be offered 5-year contracts with maximum annual payments of $40,000. Program payments are determined by the number of acres enrolled, agricultural use of the enrolled land, conservation measures already in place and new conservation activities that will be installed. Producers can receive additional payments by implementing a resource-conserving crop rotation. The program was first offered in 2009 and 258 Michigan farmers enrolled. Michigan farmers already enrolled in CSP will receive an average of $8,480 over the life of their CSP contract

 

CSP requires farmers and forest product producers to enroll their entire operations. Private and tribal lands are eligible to be enrolled. NRCS has a self-screening checklist to help producers determine if CSP is a good fit for their operation. The checklist is available at NRCS field offices and online at www.mi.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/csp.html. Landowners and producers can visit their local NRCS field office or conservation district for more information.

 

 

 

This summer’s “Farmers Markets at the Capitol” will take place Thursday, July 22 and Thursday, September 16, so get ready to celebrate!  Michigan Food & Farming Systems (MIFFS), in partnership with the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) and the Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA), will be hosting these special farmers markets for the fourth year on the east lawn of the Capitol in downtown Lansing to raise awareness about the many benefits of fresh, local food to our economy and communities.

 

The 2010 “Farmers Markets at the Capitol” plan to feature roughly 50 farmers and vendors each from across the state selling their Michigan-grown and processed goods. Vendor applications will be available for the July market in June at www.miffs.org for those interested in selling at these markets. MIFFS and MIFMA members will receive their applications in advance and have the first opportunity to apply, so keep your eyes on your inboxes and mailboxes. Applications will be available on June 14 for non-members. If you’re interested in joining MIFFS or MIFMA, visit www.miffs.org/join.asp or click the “Join MIFMA” tab at www.farmersmarkets.msu.edu.