§ 704.1 - General description of the program.

(a) The regulations in this part set forth the terms and conditions for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) authorized by Title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (Pub. L. 99-198), as amended. The Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to enter into contracts and make payments to eligible owners and operators of eligible cropland to assist them in conserving and improving the soil and water resources of their farms and ranches by converting such land to permanent vegetative cover in accordance with an approved conservation plan. A conservation plan for specified highly erodible croplands shall be developed in cooperation with the Conservation District (CD) in which the lands are located.

(b) The objectives of the CRP are to:

(1) Reduce water and wind erosion,

(2) Protect our long-term capability to produce food and fiber,

(3) Reduce sedimentation,

(4) Improve water quality,

(5) Create better habitat for fish and wildlife through improved food and cover,

(6) Curb production of surplus commodities, and

(7) Provide needed income support for farmers.

(c) The provisions of this part shall only apply to contracts or bids with respect to participation in the CRP by persons who submitted bids to enter into the program prior to November 28, 1990, and whose bids were accepted by CCC prior to that date, unless otherwise agreed to by CCC.