United States Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service
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Conservation Security Program (CSP)

Updated 3/28/2008

Farm in Cochise Country enrolled in CSPCSP is a voluntary conservation program that supports ongoing stewardship of private and tribal agricultural lands by providing payments for maintaining and enhancing natural resources. CSP rewards farmers and ranchers who are meeting the highest standards of conservation and environmental management.

Agua Fria River Watershed is the 2008 watershed.

Getting started

If you are in the selected watershed, complete a CSP self-assessment to find out if you should apply.

The Limited Resources Self-Determination Tool will help you determine if you qualify as a limited resource producer.

How CSP Works

  • CSP is offered in selected priority watersheds (51 eligible in 2008) across the country. The Agua Fria River Watershed is Arizona's watershed for 2008.
  • Producers complete a self-assessment to determine eligibility.
  • Eligible producers within this watershed must submit an application. (Application Package)
  • Based on the application, description of conservation activities, and a follow-up interview, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will determine which program tier and enrollment category are available for the applicant. NRCS will provide the necessary materials for producers to complete the benchmark inventory.

Basic Eligibility

Both the producer and the producer’s operation must first meet these basic eligibility criteria:

  • The land must be privately owned or tribal land with the majority of the land located within the Agua Fria River watershed.

  • The applicant must be in compliance with highly erodible land and wetland provisions of the Food Security Act of 1985, have an active interest in the agricultural operation, and show control of the land for the life of the contract.

  • The applicant must share in the risk of producing any crop or livestock and be entitled to a share in the crop or livestock marketed from the operation. All applicants must meet minimum tier eligibility and contract requirements, plus any additional requirements in the sign-up announcement.

National Information

Conservation Security Program

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