As more and more companies continue to invest in regenerative agriculture and set sustainability goals, cover crops, no-till farming and other conservation ag practices could start to become more widespread. Cover Crop Strategies is compiling these studies, stories and reports about the continued push for widespread adoption of conservation agriculture. Below is the latest report to be included in our coverage.
Now in its second year, ADMÒ is expanding its already thriving re:generationsÔ regenerative ag program, allowing more Iowa farmers to earn more income while making a positive impact on the environment and their soil's health.
ADM will expand the program with the support of a USDA Climate Smart grant by providing 18 states and three Canadian provinces financial incentives and technical support for implementing practices including cover cropping, improved nutrient management and conservation tillage, helping achieve its overall sustainability goal of enrolling 2 million acres by the end of the year. It is the only federal Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program that is returning 100-percent of the grant back to participating producers.
Most producers are earning up to $25 an acre per depending on their regenerative ag practices. Key to the program in Iowa is a partnership with Practical Farmers of Iowa to provide growers technical assistance, collect data and report program results.
"Although we are working to significantly reduce our environmental footprint globally, its producers on a state-by-state, county-by-county level that are making a positive difference for our environment and our collective futures," says Theo Gunther, ADM's re:generations' Iowa program manager. "We're honored to be able to partner with farmers on a very grassroots level while implementing the USDA grant to grow the program's overall reach and the benefits it provides participating producers."
Compared to other regenerative programs, ADM designed re:generations for ease of use, including a short-term one-year contract, fewer requirements and localized support from program managers and trusted environmental groups.
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Cultivating Farmer Prosperity: Investing in Regenerative Agriculture,
Research Report Outlines Agriculture's Role in Global Sustainability Efforts
