Applications closed January 31, 2023.
Program Rules
Application requirements include applicant contact information, current USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) form FSA-578 with verified cover crop acres, crop insurance policy number(s), acres of cover crops seeded to each field, farm, tract, common land unit (CLU)/Field #, and legal description of fields/acres seeded to cover crops. This information can be found on individual participants federal "Report of Commodities" form (FSA- 578). It is highly recommended to reference the FSA-578 form for those interested in applying for this program. The premium reduction will be applied based on the acreage report you file for federal crop insurance. Ensuring the field designations match is mandatory to receiving the premium rebate.
Seeding of cover crops must follow best agronomic practices in terms of seeding dates, appropriate seeding rates, seed mixes, seeding dates, and ensure objectives of the cover crop are being met. Utilize NRCS Conservation Practice Standard 340 (Cover Crops) as a guide.
DATCP will verify applications and the respective acreage. DATCP may contact applicants for additional clarifying information. Applicants must maintain documentation on cover crops that have been seeded (e.g., seed bills). To ensure the practice achieves the desired results, no full width tillage/termination of the cover crop in the fall is allowed. Management/termination of the cover crops must be done in the spring in accordance with the most recent version of the USDA-NRCS Cover Crop Termination Guidelines: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/climatechange/?cid=stelprdb1077238#Guidelines. This guidance not only informs proper management of cover crops, but must also be followed to maintain eligibility for federal crop insurance.
Approved applications will be forwarded to USDA-RMA for processing premium rebates on crop insurance premium invoices for the crop. Applicants must certify that by signing up for this program, they give DATCP permission to share the information provided to the USDA-RMA for administering the benefit to the beneficiary as documented on the application. Applicants also convey permission to DATCP representative(s) access to the property enrolled, if necessary, to verify cover crop establishment.