The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) has secured a $7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to launch the I-COVER program, which provides financial incentives to producers and landowners who adopt cover crops or new techniques for earlier establishment.
The three-year program, which begins in 2025, is part of the USDA’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) and includes partnerships with Indiana and Iowa.
“Research has shown that cover crops improve soil health, reduce erosion and increase drought resistance,” said Jerry Costello II, Illinois Director of Agriculture. “I encourage farmers to participate in this important program to conserve and protect Illinois’ fertile soil.”
The program offers cost-share incentives ranging from $61.13 to $105.40 per acre, depending on the type and number of cover crop species.
Pre-enrollment and applications are available online at Illinois Department of Agriculture.
The program opens March 3, 2025, and closes March 14, 2025.
Source - https://www.kbsi23.com
