Agricultural producers in the Kennebec River at Merrymeeting Bay watersheds will have two additional weeks to apply for United States Department of Agriculture’s Conservation Security Program.

Joyce Swartzendruber, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service state conservationist, said sign up for the program has been extended to May 30.

It was recognized that this year's sign-up scheduled to end on May 16 was an inopportune time for farmers who are busy in their fields, Swartzendruber said.

The voluntary program encourages and rewards producers who practice outstanding stewardship on working agricultural land by offering financial incentives that increase with the level of conservation effort.

Soil and water quality are the primary focus of this program, however, program goals also include improved wildlife habitat, air-quality, and environmentally responsible energy production.

The lower Kennebec watershed, selected as one of 51 watersheds eligible for this year's sign-up, is primarily in the counties of Franklin, Kennebec and Somerset. But also includes portions of Androscoggin, Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Waldo, Penobscot and Piscataquis counties.

For more information contact your local Natural Resources Conservation Service office or go to www.me.nrcs.usda.gov.