WV Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)

The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is the largest conservation program in the United States, aimed at encouraging agricultural producers and forest landowners to maintain and improve their existing conservation practices and to adopt new, more sustainable practices. Through the CSP, participants earn payments for actions such as implementing cover crops, rotational grazing, and creating habitats for pollinators and beneficial insects, all while continuing to produce agricultural goods. The program is designed for a broad range of agricultural producers, including crop producers, ranchers, dairy farmers, forest landowners, poultry producers, organic farmers, and specialty crop farmers. Enrollment in CSP is voluntary, with contracts lasting five years and the option for renewal, designed to enhance natural resources and improve business operations. The program prioritizes higher levels of conservation with bundles of enhancements that offer greater incentives and higher payment rates.