Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture

Completed Competitive Grant

Evaluating the Conservation Security Program utilizing the perceptions and economics of producer participation: Implications for land stewardship in Iowa agriculture

Project ID: P2006-06

Abstract

The Conservation Security Program, a "green payment" program, emphasizes rewarding the best stewards of natural resources and attracting the rest via reward payments. This report analyzes the Conservation Security Program (CSP) in Iowa. Program goals and its success in meeting those goals are evaluated. Results in four Iowa watersheds are summarized.

Key Question: How successfully has the Conservation Security Program (CSP) met its goals in Iowa?

Findings: CSP is rewarding those who have implemented soil conserving practices. However, there is little incentive for producers who have not previously invested in conservation to improve their standards of conservation.

Lead investigator: James B. Kliebenstein, ISU Economics, et al

Year of grant completion: 2009

This competitive grant project was part of the Leopold Center's Policy Initiative.

Topics: Conservation practices, Policy