CRP Transition Incentives Program (TIP) — USDA Farm Service Agency

Pays retiring landowners two extra years of CRP rental payments for selling or leasing expiring CRP land to a beginning, veteran, or underserved farmer — one of the few federal programs that directly moves land to new growers.

Typical award: Two additional years of CRP annual rental payments to the landowner
Deadline: Apply before the CRP contract expires (sign up in the final year)
Type of support: Funding / grants · Beginning farmer & land access
Who can apply: Beginning / underserved, Individual producer, Tribal
Fits these operations: Vegetables & produce, Mixed / diversified, Orchard & fruit

Am I eligible?

Land is in the last year of an expiring CRP contract
Buyer/renter is a beginning, veteran, or socially disadvantaged farmer
New operator is not a family member of the landowner in most cases
New operator must develop a conservation plan and begin farming sustainably

How to apply

1Identify expiring CRP acres (FSA county offices can help you look)
2Reach an agreement to buy or lease with the landowner
3Both parties visit the FSA county office before contract expiration
4Complete a conservation plan with NRCS and enroll

What you'll need

Signed purchase agreement or lease
Beginning-farmer certification (FSA form)
Conservation plan for the transitioning acres

Timeline & contact

Plan 6–12 months ahead of the CRP expiration date

Get help: FSA county office (ask for the CRP/TIP specialist)

Ready to apply?

Applications go through USDA Farm Service Agency, not through this site. Open the official page below for eligibility rules, forms, and contacts. For federal programs it's worth calling your local USDA Service Center or Cooperative Extension office first — they help with paperwork for free and know what your county actually funds.

Open official page

This listing was last hand-checked August 2026.

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