The Natural Resources Conservation Service is accepting applications for the 2020 Conservation Stewardship Program as part of the Regional Conservation Partnership Program efforts led by the USA Rice–Ducks Unlimited Stewardship Partnership. This special CSP initiative is specifically for rice producers.
The Gulf Coast CSP special sign-up assists landowners and rice producers who voluntarily implement conservation and management practices that aim to provide waterfowl habitat on rice production lands. Nutrient management and integrated pest management to address water quality concerns are also a priority.
This special RCPP CSP sign-up allots approximately $2.5 million dollars for rice production acreage in 11 southwest Louisiana parishes including Acadia, Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Evangeline, Jeff Davis, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin and Vermilion. Applications must be received by NRCS field offices by June 5 to be considered for this funding cycle.
Producers interested in RCPP/CSP should contact their local U.S. Department of Agriculture service center or visit www.nrcs.usda.gov/GetStarted. For additional help, contact Louisiana Rice Stewardship coordinator with Ducks Unlimited, Kyle Soileau at 337-322-4565 or ksoileau@ducks.org.