Environmental Benefits Index (EBI) scoring with CRP

A relevant topic for Farm Service Agency (FSA) staff these days is the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) general sign up that is underway. A local public meeting on that subject is also upon us -- at 7 p.m. Thursday, in the meeting room of the Ellis Fine Arts Center on the FSCC campus. Everyone interested should come sit in for a review of the CRP processes and possibilities.

One of the topics of this meeting will be the use of the Environmental Benefits Index (EBI) to evaluate, rank, and accept or reject offers made during this enrollment period. The details of the EBI might get somewhat confusing, but getting to the core of the process and concentrating on factors that we can impact can simplify this analysis some.

There are six categories of evaluation: 1) wildlife habitat cover benefits; 2) water quality benefits from reduced runoff; 3) soil erosion benefits factor; 4) air quality benefits; 5) enduring benefits; and 6) cost.

Several of these factors will not change no matter what we might do. Water quality benefits are based on the relationship of a field to a stream -- not really any way that can be adjusted. The same for soil erosion -- this factor is based on the soil types present. None of us will be changing those much either. And a ditto for air quality benefits -- all soil types and areas in Eastern Kansas gets a "5" score for that no matter what. No way to "tweak" this one either.

So, what can be achieved that might enhance an EBI score?

Wildlife habitat cover is flexible and can be planned to improve an EBI score. For example: an existing cover or single species planting only scores 10 points while a more wildlife friendly "restoration of rare and declining habitat" CP-25 practice (a 15-species planting of native grasses, forbs, and legumes) can score up to 75 points.

A new wrinkle in the process this year is the addition of pollinator habitat in an area of the CRP field (at least 10 percent of the parcel but not less than one-half acre). This addition will include at least nine species of pollinator-friendly shrubs, legumes, or wildflowers that bloom during spring, summer, and fall for an enhancement of the CRP habitat. This can be used with some of the seeding practices and adds 20 points. Including a wildlife food plot can also add 5 points to the total.

Enduring benefits are scored when a practice is more likely to remain on the land following the end of program participation. One example is a tree planting --not too common for our area. However, the CP-25 15-species seeding does gather another 25 points from this category.

Another area that can be influenced somewhat by applicant actions is the cost factor. A scenario is run for each potential offer when initiating an enrollment. One of the results of that process is the computation of a maximum rental rate based on the soil types present on the field(s). An additional two EBI points is credited for each percent reduction in the maximum offer up to 10 percent; then one additional point for each percent up to a total of 15 percent making a maximum EBI enhancement of 25 points from reducing the rental rate offer.

For example, if my maximum rate is $50 per acre I could offer $45 per acre (a 10-percent reduction) and gather 20 more points for my EBI score. Additional "cost" scoring is determined after all the offers are submitted and compared, so we can determine only the preliminary score at this time. The total will be accounted for when the final results are reviewed.

Contracts offered during this enrollment period will take effect as of Oct. 1, 2010. The grass seeding/cover establishment will take place next spring (2011) with the first rental payment due after Oct. 1, 2011.

It does take some time to review all the variables included in the CRP offer, so we will continue to recommend calling ahead for an appointment to permit staff to prepare as much as possible for your visit, as well as to eliminate any "waiting in line" that might otherwise occur. Bourbon County producers can call (620) 223-1880.

Remember: the CRP enrollment period ends Aug. 27, 2010. USDA is an equal opportunity employer, provider, and lender.

Editor's Note: Doug Niemeir is the County Executive Director for the USDA/Farm Service Agency. He can be reached by emailing him at Douglas.Niemeir@ks.usda.gov