{"id":25467,"date":"2021-06-08T11:31:08","date_gmt":"2021-06-08T15:31:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/?p=25467"},"modified":"2021-06-08T11:31:28","modified_gmt":"2021-06-08T15:31:28","slug":"sign-up-period-for-cover-crop-program-begins-july-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/press-release\/2021\/06\/08\/sign-up-period-for-cover-crop-program-begins-july-1\/","title":{"rendered":"Sign-Up Period for Cover Crop Program Begins July 1"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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ANNAPOLIS, MD <\/b>\u2013 The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) today announced that the sign-up period for this year\u2019s annual <\/span>Cover Crop Program<\/span><\/a> will run from July 1-16, 2021. The popular conservation program provides farmers with cost-share assistance to offset seed, labor, and equipment costs associated with planting cover crops on their fields in fall to build healthy soils and protect the Chesapeake Bay.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe success and popularity of the Cover Crop Program is one of many examples that show how Maryland is leading the nation on sustainable agriculture practices,\u201d said Secretary Joe Bartenfelder. \u201cCover crops are a critical tool in our efforts to protect the Chesapeake Bay watershed while also promoting healthy, productive farmland across the state. I encourage all farmers to contact their local soil conservation district and learn more about the program\u2019s new incentives and application process.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Enrollment will be conducted entirely by mail. Farmers who participated in last year\u2019s cover crop program will receive registration packets in the mail later this month. Beginning July 1, applications will also be available on the program\u2019s <\/span>website<\/span><\/a>. To be considered for cost-share, applications should be mailed to the local soil conservation district for processing and must be postmarked by July 16, 2021. Farmers who have questions or need assistance with their applications should contact their <\/span>local soil conservation district<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

This year\u2019s Cover Crop Program features higher rates, more planting flexibility, and a variety of special incentives for certain highly-valued practices. Eligible farmers can receive up to $75\/acre in cost-share grants to incorporate traditional cover crops into their fields this fall. The maximum payment for aerial seeding with incentives is $80\/acre.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Incentives for this season include:<\/span><\/p>\n