Cover Crop Incentive Program Information Released
The Illinois Department of Agriculture has announced the release of the FY 2020 Prevented Planting / Cover Crop Incentive Program. This program, administered locally by the White County Soil and Water Conservation District, provides a $5 per acre incentive payment for the planting of cover crop on acres that have been enrolled into the prevented planting option of the USDA RMA crop insurance program. These projects will conserve soil and protect water quality, reduce soil erosion, and reduce the nutrient transport to water bodies. Plans for cover crop planting must follow NRCS and Illinois Cover Crop guidelines.
The program is a first come, first serve format. The program has an overall 75,000 acres limit or until the deadline of August 15, 2019, is met.
The simple application process consists of completion of 2 forms and a copy of USDA-FSA Form 578. To apply, please stop by the White County Soil and Water Conservation District located in the USDA Service Center at 1105 West Main Street, Carmi. You may also call 618-382-2213, Ext. 3, to set up an appointment for staff to assist with the application process. Again, the program is first come, first serve. There is a statewide acre limit, with an application deadline of August 15.
