Grassland Reserve Program (GRP)

Updated 1/18/2013

The Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) is a voluntary program that helps landowners and operators restore and protect grassland, including rangeland, and pastureland, and certain other lands, while maintaining the areas as grazing lands. The program emphasizes support for grazing operations, plant and animal biodiversity, and grassland and land containing shrubs and forbs under the greatest threat of conversion. GRP is authorized by the Food Security Act of 1985, as amended by the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, as amended by the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) administer the program, in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service.  Funding for GRP comes from the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC).

Benefits
Restoring and protecting grasslands contributes positively to the economy of many regions, provides biodiversity of plant and animal populations, and improves environmental quality.

How GRP Works
Applications may be filed for an easement or rental agreement with NRCS or FSA at any time.  Participants voluntarily limit future use of the land while retaining the right to conduct common grazing practices; produce hay, mow, or harvest for seed production (subject to certain restrictions during the nesting season of bird species that are in significant decline or those that are protected under Federal or State law); conduct fire rehabilitation; and construct firebreaks and fences.

Eligibility
Landowners who can provide clear title are eligible to participate for either easement option.  Landowners and others who have general control of the acreage may submit an application for a rental agreement.

These Documents require Adobe Acrobat reader

2013 Geographic Area Rate Cap (GARC) (Pending)
2013 Payment Schedule (Pending)

For More Information

Contact your local USDA NRCS Service Center by clicking the county on the map.

To Apply  
Application sign-up is an ongoing process and can be done online at USDA Service Center eForms Web Site
Follow the instructions and information as you enter this site. 

If you are unable to submit your application online you can fill out the form, print, sign and mail, fax or hand deliver to your local USDA NRCS Service Center.

• For Additional Program Information

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