“Cover crops are essential for holding the soil and improving its water retention,” NACD President Michael Crowder said. “NACD applauds USDA for bolstering payments for these important practices to incentivize further adoption.”

As part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers Program, the agency is introducing the Pandemic Cover Crop Program (PCCP) to allow producers who insured their spring crop and planted cover crops during the 2021 crop year to become eligible for a premium benefit. All cover crops reportable to the Farm Service Agency (FSA) are eligible and the premium support is $5 per acre, but no more than the full premium owed.

Source: NACD Responds to USDA’s Pandemic Cover Crop Program – NACD