Participation in the CRP: Implications of the New York experience

New York farmland owners were surveyed to gather information about the first six sign-ups for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). A high participation rate by nonfarmers provided evidence on the role tenure plays in the program participation decision. Logistic regression analysis indicated that, compared with farmer participants, nonfarmer participants tend to own smaller farms, enroll larger acreages, and live adjacent lo their enrolled fields. Compared with U.S. Department of Agriculture-influenced but nonparticipating farmers, a second regression analysis indicated that participating farmers tend to own more large farms, be nondairy farmers, have nonfarm incomes, and use fewer soil conservation practices. Social norm and other attitudinal factors also were significant participation determinants. Efforts to target participation regionally based on the value of expected on-site and off-site benefits may be assisted by increasing program flexibility and by outreach efforts to specific landowner groups.