WASHINGTON, D.C. — Changes announced today to the Conservation Reserve Program will boost enrollment through higher payment rates and new incentives. The National Wildlife Federation heralded this commitment, which will advance efforts to improve soil health, sequester carbon, reduce nitrogen runoff, and provide healthy habitat for wildlife.

“With enrollment in the Conservation Reserve Program at the lowest level in decades and millions of acres set to expire over the next few years, bold action is needed to boost enrollment and get the program back on track. The improvements to the Conservation Reserve Program announced today will not only increase carbon sequestration and create habitat for wildlife, but will also increase incentives and rental rates to make the program more attractive for farmers, ranchers, and forest owners who can be some of the most valuable players in the fight against climate change,” said Aviva Glaser, director of agriculture policy at the National Wildlife Federation. “We thank Secretary Vilsack and Farm Service Agency Administrator Ducheneaux for making these changes to the Conservation Reserve Program that will help mitigate our climate impacts so that our land, air, water, and wildlife remain healthy for generations to come.”