After a review of the Air Quality Conservation Priority Area, the agency expanded the area to include more acreage. Senator Patty Murray urged USDA to approve the inclusion of the additional acreage. I applaud the efforts of growers, researchers, and USDA staff to secure this decision. I look forward to continuing to work with growers and USDA to ensure we have the tools we need to protect our resources.
Air quality is one of the environmental considerations used to determine program acceptance.
Soils that contribute to air quality problems receive higher points than other soils. Bids with the highest environmental benefit per cost of the contract have the greatest chance for acceptance. The program is a cost-effective, voluntary program to improve land, water, and wildlife resources, while compensating landowners for the use of their land. The CRP is designed to improve the Nation's natural resource base. Participants voluntarily enter into contracts with USDA to enroll erodible and other environmentally sensitive land in long-term contracts for 10 to 15 years.