§ 1410.117 - Extended base protection.

(a) In the final year of the contract or renewable period, participants may, subject to approval by CCC, request to extend the preservation of cropland base and allotment history for 5 years, without payment. Such approval may be given by CCC only if participants agree to continue for that period to abide by the terms and conditions which applied to the relevant contract relating to the conservation of the property for the term in which payments were to be made.

(b) Where such an extension is approved, no additional cost share, annual rental or bonus payment shall be made that would not have been made under the original contract for its original term.

(c) Haying and grazing of the acreage subject to such an extension may be permitted during the extension period, except during any consecutive 5-month period between April 1 and October 31 of any year as shall be established by the State committee. In the event of a natural disaster, however, CCC may permit unlimited haying and grazing of such acreage.

(d) In the event of a violation of any CRP contract extended under this section, CCC may reduce or terminate the amount of cropland base and allotment history otherwise preserved under the contract or under an extension of the contract.