Michigan has secured a significant grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) to foster the adoption of voluntary conservation practices among farmers. The NFWF recently announced grants totaling over $13.6 million, benefiting agricultural producers across 19 states, including Michigan. These grants will be matched by contributions, amounting to a total conservation impact of $15.2 million.
The project team in Michigan comprises the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan, the Michigan Soybean Committee, the Michigan Pork Producers Association, the Michigan Chapter of the Nature Conservancy, and the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP). Their joint efforts aim to accelerate the widespread and long-term use of cover crops.
The primary objective of the project is to increase the sustained adoption of cover crops on corn and soybean acres. Training programs will address the barriers that hinder their implementation. Over the course of the four-year grant program, farmers will receive financial incentives, technical assistance, and educational opportunities provided by project partners.
Playing a crucial role in the project, MAEAP will serve as the primary team responsible for farm enrollment and technical support. The Nature Conservancy in Michigan will contribute communication and outreach support to enhance the project's effectiveness.
Kristin Poley, the project lead and director of research and agronomy at the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan, expressed excitement about the grant, highlighting its potential impact. Cover crop adoption will be facilitated on approximately 55,000 acres in Michigan. The expansion of the state-wide MAEAP team and farmer outreach and education initiatives will equip participants with the necessary tools to successfully implement cover crops on their farms.
The grants are made possible by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Partnership for Climate-Smart Commodities, which allocated $95 million to the Farmers for Soil Health program. This collaboration involves the National Corn Growers Association, United Soybean Board, National Pork Producers, and NFWF as the fiduciary partner. The grants signify the launch of the Farmers for Soil Health partnership, which aims to assist farmers in advancing soil health practices, achieving sustainability goals, and improving profitability.
The NFWF is expected to announce at least one more technical assistance grant in 2023 as part of this partnership. The ultimate goal of Farmers for Soil Health is to encourage cover crop adoption on 30 million acres by 2030, promoting soil health, sustainability, and farmer prosperity.
Established by Congress in 1984, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is dedicated to protecting and restoring the nation's fish, wildlife, plants, and habitats. Through collaborations with federal agencies, corporations, foundations, and individuals, NFWF has provided funding to over 6,000 organizations, generating a significant conservation impact of $8.1 billion.
Farmers for Soil Health, a collaborative initiative involving the Soy Checkoff, Pork Checkoff, and National Corn Growers Association, seeks to create a farmer-led cover crop program. This program aims to advance the use of soil health practices, achieve sustainability goals, and improve profitability. By encouraging cover crop adoption on 30 million acres by 2030, Farmers for Soil Health aims to enhance soil health and contribute to a sustainable future.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-mvburling
Categories: Michigan, Business, Crops, Corn, Soybeans