Enrolling in the Farmers for Soil Health program offers a wealth of benefits, comprehensive support, and financial incentives designed to enhance sustainability and profitability. This program provides access to resources, expert guidance and a community of like-minded farmers dedicated to improving soil health. The long-term impact may include better yields, healthier crops and a stronger bottom line.

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New to Cover Crops?

While implementing cover crops into an operation requires an initial investment, studies have shown they begin to pay for themselves after two to three years on average.1 That is why enrollees who are new to cover crops receive Transition Incentive Payments (TIPs) of $50 per acre spread over a three-year period. The goal of this assistance is to help offset start-up costs and encourage the adoption of soil health practices. TIP payments will be distributed:

Already Implementing Cover Crops?

Farmers for Soil Health appreciates those already supporting sustainable practices. Signing Incentive Payments (SIPs) are available for enrolled farmers who currently incorporate cover crops into their operations. These are one-time payments of $2 per acre of existing cover crops.

Payments

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) will issue TIP and SIP payments in the spring following the planting of cover crops in the previous fall. Cover crop planting will be verified by remote sensing through the Farmers for Soil Health Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) platform and self-certified by the farmer. It is possible to receive both TIP and SIP payments for different fields that fall under each category.

Exclusive Sustainability Marketplace

Enrollees have a unique opportunity to participate in the exclusive Farmers for Soil Health Sustainability Marketplace, the first of its kind, directly linking farmers with nationwide supply chain partners, biofuel companies, and feed companies committed to sustainability. Through this platform, farmers can exchange and negotiate in real-time with corporations interested in commodities produced under sustainable practices. This financial compensation is in addition to the TIP and SIP payment incentives, ultimately encouraging and rewarding efforts in promoting soil health.

Technical Advisors

Each state has a team of dedicated, on-the-ground experts called technical advisors (TAs). These individuals are farmers and conservation experts who can provide personalized guidance through farm visits or phone calls. TAs are a local point-person to address any questions about the program or the process of transitioning fields to successful cover crop adoption. They are equipped with extensive hands-on experience, research-based information and educational resources.

Source:
1 Myers, R., Weber, A., & Tellatin, S. (2019, June 1). Cover Crop Economics, Opportunities to Improve Your Bottom Line in Row Crops. Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education. https://www.sare.org/resources/cover-crop-economics/