The USDA recently made the transfer of some conservation lands easier as a way to
lessen the burden on new farmers and ranchers and make use of tentatively
productive areas.
USDA Deputy Under Secretary Lanon Baccam said the early termination of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
contracts affects only the least environmentally delicate land. He said allowing
early terminations will simplify property transfer to family members as
well as future generations of farmers and ranchers.
“The average age of principal farm operators is 58,” Baccam
said. “So, land tenure, succession and estate planning, and access to land is
an increasingly important issue for the future of agriculture and a priority
for USDA. Access to land remains the biggest barrier for beginning farmers and
ranchers.”
He said young farmers need to be able start with a solid foundation
in order to succeed.
“There are Conservation Reserve Program acres that are
rested and ready to be productive, an original goal of CRP,” Baccam said. “The
technical teams at USDA will tell us which ones can terminate from the program
with little impact on the overall conservation efforts.”
Usually, terminating a CPR contract early requires repayment
of all previous payments with interest, but the repayment now will be waived if
the property is acquired by a new farmer or rancher through a sale or lease
with an option to buy.
“Starting the next generation of farmers and ranchers out with conservation and
stewardship in mind is another important part of this announcement,” Baccam
added.
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