The New York Soil Health team has released a new research brief exploring how cover crop incentive programs influence farmer behavior and cover crop adoption in the Northeast.
Why Incentives Matter
Cover crops are a proven tools for protecting and improving the soil, reducing erosion, and reducing fertilizer needs. However, it takes time, resources, and management to implement cover crops, and many farmers face barriers. Incentives can help farmers manage these challenges by lowering financial risks and supporting cover crop adoption. For these programs to be effective, they must be flexible and accessible, especially to farmers with limited resources.
The new policy brief, “Cover Crop Incentive Programs and Adoption Trends in the Northeast,” shares findings from a 2023 survey of farmers in New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Maryland. The results make a strong case for expanding and improving these programs to meet environmental and equity goals.