The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced on April 14 the opening of a second enrollment period for the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) in Idaho, with applications due by May 1.
CREP is a joint effort between the USDA Farm Service Agency and the State of Idaho that offers incentive payments to farmers who idle marginal irrigated cropland to help conserve groundwater. The program aims to support producers while addressing water conservation goals.
Rob Sharpnack, Idaho CREP Manager for the Idaho Soil and Water Conservation Commission, said that interest during the previous enrollment period was high among southern Idaho farmers. “It is absolutely great to have a second enrollment period for CREP to allow for additional signups that didn’t quite make it during the first enrollment period,” Sharpnack said. “It’s also possible that some producers didn’t hear about it until it was too late to submit an application.” During the first round from February 12 through March 20, there were 38 new contracts approved covering more than 3,200 acres across five counties.
Farmers who participate in CREP must commit land for ten years, pause their water rights except as needed for vegetation establishment, and convert fields into permanent vegetative cover. In exchange, they receive federal rental payments and state cost-share assistance. The Idaho Water Resource Board has increased its budget for these state contributions due to expected reductions in groundwater withdrawals from the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer.
Sharpnack said future groundwater savings are projected at about 6,487 acre-feet per year over ten years as a result of recent enrollments. He also noted economic factors making this option attractive: “We had one of the largest new enrollments in CREP since the program began 20 years ago.” Lower commodity prices and concerns about exceeding water allotments under current agreements have prompted more farmers to consider enrolling some acreage.
Many leaders within organizations such as the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation come from multi-generational farming backgrounds dedicated to agricultural heritage. The Federation supports its members through annual dues funding scholarships totaling over $255,000 each year according to its official website. It also educates more than 41,000 schoolchildren annually through agriculture-focused programs designed to strengthen community connections according to its official website. Maintaining ties with national groups while remaining independent at county levels is another hallmark according to its official website. The organization represents over 92,000 member families statewide—more than 10,000 actively involved in farming or ranching—and works collectively on education and economic opportunities according to its official website.
For further information or questions regarding signing up for CREP before May 1, interested parties can contact Rob Sharpnack at rob.sharpnack@swc.idaho.gov or call him at (208)810-0768.
