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How to Apply for the Grassland Reserve Program (GRP)Applications for the Grassland Reserve Program may be submitted at any time; however the first grouping will come from applications submitted through Friday, June 5, 2009. Applications not funded with current GRP allocations, and any applications received after June 5, will remain on file for future funding allocations as available. After submitting an application at your local USDA Service Center, a Field Office employee will work with you to complete a scoring worksheet for your application, based on current grassland use.
The following
documents require Acrobat Reader. Participants must choose a rental agreement time span of 10-years, 15-years, or 20-years, or a permanent conservation easement. Annual payments for rental agreements will be in an amount not more than 75% of the grazing value of the land covered by the agreement for the life of the contract. In Missouri, these county-specific rates range from $8.50 to $16.50. Easements will be funded based on a certified appraisal which will establish both the fair market value and the grassland value. Permanent easement payments will be the appraised fair market value minus the grazing value. Accepted easement applicants will have refusal rights of the USDA easement offer amount as established by appraisal. Successful applicants will be required to develop a grazing plan, if they do not already have one, for the acres affected by their GRP agreement. Under GRP, participants agree to limit the future use of the GRP acres while retaining the right to conduct common grazing practices, produce hay, mow, or harvest seed. Some restrictions may apply from May 1st through July 15th, to protect certain nesting seasons. GRP prohibits the production of crops (other than hay or seed), fruit trees, and vineyards, and any other activity that disturbs the surface of the land (unless it is an appropriate management activity included in a conservation plan). Grasslands constitute the largest land cover in Missouri, covering more than 14 million acres. These lands contribute significantly to the economy, provide biodiversity of plant and animal populations, and play a key role in environmental quality. The Grassland Reserve Program contributes major funding and technical expertise to protecting these vital grasslands.
Missouri Grassland Coalition Focus Areas |
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