By TIM ALEXANDER
Illinois Correspondent

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) has scheduled a series of nine public meetings – including one to be held in Springfield, Ill. – in order to collect input that could help shape USDA’s upcoming Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) regarding the federal Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).

“These meetings are not designed to examine the CRP itself, they are for gathering public input on the environmental impact of implementing provisions contained in the CRP,” said Jonathan Groveman, spokesperson for the FSA public affairs office. “The public will have an opportunity to make comments that will help us craft the SEIS.”

The meetings commenced in Spokane, Wash. on Sept. 15 and will conclude Oct. 9 in Harrisburg, Pa. The only public meeting USDA has scheduled within Farm World’s readership area will be held Sept. 25 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Springfield, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Possible topics of discussion during the meetings include provisions dealing with cropping history requirements, crop rotation practices, contract incentives, program enrollment terms and the CRP enrollment authority of 32 million acres established for the remainder of the 2008 Farm Bill, according to Groveman.

“The 2008 Farm Bill (compels) us to look at the possible environmental benefits and potential impacts associated with the CRP,” he said.

A voluntary program, CRP helps farmers and landowners implement long-term conservation measures and practices in order to enhance ground and surface water quality, control soil erosion and promote wildlife habitat. The Commodity Credit Corporation provides participants with rental payments and cost share assistance under the terms of 10 to 15-year contacts entered into by landowners. The FSA administers the program with the support of other federal and local agencies.

“These workshops will be important to receive feedback about how we can make the (CRP) more effective for producers,” stated Jonathan Copass, FSA administrator.

In addition to the scheduled public meetings, FSA is accepting public comments via e-mail, USPS or hand-delivery through Oct. 19. Send e-mail comments to CRPcomments@tecinc.com or mail or deliver remarks to CRP SEIS, c/o TEC Inc., 8 San Jose Dr., Suite 3-B, Newport News, VA 23606. In addition, comments may be faxed to 757-594-1469.