[Carpenter] More on GRP

[Kevin Carpenter]

Found this link describing the program and changes in the 2008 farm bill
(which authorizes this):

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/farmbill/2008/bca-cria/GRP_BCanalysisInterimFinal_01-13-2009.pdf

Key content:

Permissible activities include the following:
• common grazing practices, including maintenance and necessary cultural
practices, on the
land in a manner that is consistent with maintaining the viability of
grassland, forb, and
shrub species appropriate to that locality;
• haying, mowing, or harvesting for seed production, subject to
appropriate restrictions
during the nesting season for birds in the local area that are in
significant decline or are
conserved in accordance with Federal or State law, as determined by the State
Conservationist;
• fire pre-suppression, rehabilitation, and construction of fire breaks;
and
• grazing related activities, such as fencing and livestock watering.

Prohibited activities include:
• the production of crops (other than hay), fruit trees, vineyards, or
any other agricultural
commodity that is inconsistent with maintaining grazing land; and
• except as permitted under a restoration plan, the conduct of any other
activity that would

It also appears that any future cost-share projects on enrolled land would
be limited to 50%.

Carbon sequestration was factored into the cost/benefit analysis of the
program - although at an internationally ridiculously low rate of $2/ton
(Carbon credits on the open international market, are, I believe in the
$30/ton rate).  What is unclear, since the USA does not have a carbon
credit program yet, is if enrolled land could also be eligible for such a
program which could generate $50+/acre in future income.

A program overview is available here:

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/grp/pdf_files/KeyPoints.pdf

Kevin
be inconsistent with maintaining grazing land enrolled in the program.