January 9, 2001

USDA and the state of North Dakota have joined together in an effort to protect 160,000 acres of fragile farm land and improve water quality. The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, already established in 14 other states, will provide farmers with financial incentives to engage in conservation practices.

Participating farmers will be eligible for four types of payments: a one-time payment for enrollment, a practice incentive payment, an annual rental payment and cost-share assistance to help pay for conservation practices. If the full 160,00 acres eligible are enrolled, USDA will pay North Dakota farmers up to $20 million over a 15-year period. North Dakota has committed an additional $23 million to the project.

USDA's Farm Service Agency is administering the program in partnership with North Dakota's Department of Fish and Game. Farmers and landowners can obtain more information about this program from their local USDA Service Center or on the web at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/dafp/cepd/crpinfo.htm.