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Texas Agriculture Archive

July 4, 2003

Grasslands sign-up is June 30

The Agriculture Department has announced that nationwide sign up for the Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) began on June 30.

The program, which is coordinated by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Farm Service Agency and the Forest Service, helps landowners restore, protect and rehabilitate grasslands. According to USDA, the GRP will conserve vulnerable grasslands from conversion to cropland or other uses and conserve valuable grasslands by helping maintain viable ranching operations.

Applications will be accepted at local USDA service centers, and once funds are exhausted, eligible applicants will remain on file until additional funding becomes available. USDA previously announced that $49.9 million in fiscal 2003 funds were available for the program.