The publication provides a summary of research literature on the CRP, a program to retire highly erodible cropland, and a detailed survey of 18 interest groups in agriculture, agribusiness, conservation, and the environment. Research Findings Participants in the CRP are pleased with the program because it provides income stability, decreases the need for credit, and in some instances allows farmers to retire early. Negative effects include some noxious weed problems and business fluctuations in some agriculturally dependent communities. All support a CRP renewal.
Groups recommend very different levels of acreage enrollment.
All favor multiple targeting. A majority favors economic land use options, of which haying and grazing is the most controversial. All support more localized control of the program. The groups surveyed were the American Farm Bureau Federation, American Farmland Trust, American Soybean Association, Ducks Unlimited, The Fertilizer Institute, National Association of Conservation Districts, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Audubon Society, National Cattlemen s Association, National Cotton Council, National Corn Growers Association, National Farmers Union, National Grain and Feed Association, National Grain Sorghum Producers, National Pork Producers Council, The Nature Conservancy, Soil and Water Conservation Society, and the Wildlife Management Institute. The CRP provides benefits that many people would like to see continue.