Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP)
Preserving Sensitive Land
The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) operates within the broader framework of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), a leading initiative in private-land conservation nationwide. Managed by the Farm Service Agency (FSA), CREP combines federal and non-federal resources to address specific conservation priorities at the state, regional, or national levels. Farmers and ranchers participate in CREP by withdrawing environmentally sensitive land from production and establishing permanent plant species that conserve resources. In return, they receive an annual rental payment, along with additional federal and non-federal incentives outlined in each CREP agreement. Participation in CREP is voluntary, with contract periods typically lasting 10-15 years.