More than 400 Washington farmers in 20 counties may have their Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program payments ended or reduced, continuing the fallout from government errors in overseeing the salmon-enhancement program.

A Dec. 6, 2019, rule required that 50% of matching funds from partners be in the form of direct payments, which made it more difficult for diverse types of groups to participate as partners in CREP. With this rule change, partners can now provide their negotiated level of matching funds in the form of cash, in-kind contributions, or technical assistance. This change allows for greater flexibility and opportunity for additional partners to participate in the program.