St. Paul, MN -- Congress today considers renewing a program that offers farmers and ranchers incentives to protect natural resources. A Senate committee will look at funding for the "Conservation Security Program," which offers financial incentives to those who protect the environment. The first sign-up period ended last month, and Loni Kemp with the Minnesota Project says, while final numbers aren't in yet, it was a big hit.

"The response from farmers was amazing. We had six watersheds that were open for enrollment. And, several thousand farmers visited their local conservation offices to see if they could qualify for this program. They're very interested in it. We're predicting that a thousand contracts will, in the end, be signed with Minnesota farmers for this year."

Final sign-up numbers are expected later this week. The program was part of the last farm bill, and covered 220 watersheds nationwide. The six in Minnesota are the Sauk, Root, Red, Red Lake, Redwood and Blue Earth, four million acres in all. Kemp says she hopes Congress makes more farmers eligible, because the initiative protects land, water quality and wildlife, and boosts the rural economy.

Kemp says the program reduces soil erosion, flooding and water pollution, and protects wildlife habitat.

"It's a win for the farmers, because they can earn money and contribute to their bottom line, and that helps our rural communities. At the same time, the farmers are taking care of the land and water, and that's what all Minnesotans can benefit from."

This week, the U.S. Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee is considering the future of the program. Both Minnesota Senators sit on the full Agriculture Committee.

Minnesota State Conservationist Bill Hunt says the effort to recognize and reward good land stewardship works, and deserves continued support.

"The program had a lot of appeal here in the state, and nationwide, they're looking at somewhere between 10 to 12-thousand new contracts to be approved this year. And, based on the response we got on the watersheds that were approved here in Minnesota, this is a very, very popular program. It's one that produces environmental and water quality and wildlife benefits, and it benefits all Minnesotans."