Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) in New Jersey

The Grassland Reserve Program has met the program's target in enrolled acres under the 2002 Farm Bill. Applications are no longer being accepted.

The information presented below is based on program rules developed under the 2002 Farm Bill. With passage of the 2008 Farm Bill in May, statutory language changes mean new program rules need to be written by the Department. These rule changes may impact how New Jersey implements this program. The 2009 program information will be updated after consultation with the State Technical Committee once the new rules are approved for use and prior to any 2009 funding decisions. All applicants will have ample opportunity to review the rule changes and contract terms and will be required to comply with all applicable rules and requirements in place at the time of contract obligation.

The Grassland Reserve Program (GRP), a voluntary program offering landowners the opportunity to protect, restore, and enhance grasslands on their property, was authorized in the 2002 Farm Bill with the intent of protecting grasslands which play a vital role in protecting water quality and providing wildlife habitat. The Natural Resources Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency and Forest Service coordinate the implementation of GRP to protect vulnerable grasslands from conversion to cropland or other uses and to implement conservation measures to protect and enhance the enrolled acres. 

Priority grasslands targeted include grasslands threatened by both agricultural and non-agricultural development, grasslands that provide habitat to threatened and endangered plant and animal species, and grasslands currently used for grazing operations.