FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 7, 2025
Contact: Dan Richter, Public Information Officer, (608) 419-5352, dan.richter@wisconsin.gov
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MADISON, Wis. – In partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA), the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) recently closed the third application cycle for its Crop Insurance Premium Rebates for Planting Cover Crops program on January 28, 2025.
Through 2021 Wisconsin Act 233, Gov. Evers created the cover crop insurance program to help protect soil and water resources and support producers implementing cover crop practices. Since 2022, 160,000 acres of coverage, or $800,000, has been awarded annually on a first-come, first-served basis.
“Our land and water resources are critical to the success of Wisconsin's $116 billion agricultural industry, and our cover crop insurance program helps protect our natural resources while helping farmers protect their bottom line," said Gov. Evers. “I was glad to create this program back in 2022 with bipartisan support, and I look forward to continuing support for this vital program and the industry as a whole in my next budget."
Program participants receive a $5 per acre rebate credit to their crop insurance premium for acres planted with cover crops, then subsequently planted to an insurable cash crop. All acres are verified for eligibility prior to the issuance of rebates.
To date, producers in 60 of the 72 Wisconsin counties have participated in the program, and each year, an increased number of cover crop acreage is submitted during the application period. This year, program applications exceeded 224,000 acres, demonstrating how interest in the program far exceeds the funding available.
“The cover crop insurance rebate program is a newer program, but it is quickly growing in popularity with farmers," said Secretary Romanski. “Governor Evers recognizes the value this tool provides to farmers, and his 2025-2027 budget includes $1.6 million to continue the program. This program has received bi-partisan support in the past. As the next budget progresses, we are hopeful that bi-partisan support for these strategic investments in Wisconsin producers will continue."
DATCP has worked collaboratively with applicants, insurance providers, and the RMA to improve the application process since the program's inception. A copy of the web-based rebate application, information about eligibility, and FAQs are available on covercroprebate.wi.gov.
For more information on conservation programming, visit datcp.wi.gov or sign up for email updates.
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