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$95 million grant signed launching Farmers for Soil Health initiative 

Ag and wildlife groups are partnering with the USDA to launch the Farmers for Soil Health initiative. 

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says it will advance the use of soil health practices by utilizing cover crops.  “They expect and anticipate to use this resource that we’re providing to impact 1 million acres across 20 states,” he says.  

Vilsack says the grant will offer both financial and technical assistance for farmers transitioning to planting cover crops.

He says the initiative will also provide a market platform to help farmers diversify their revenue streams.  “To develop customer-based and out-come based contracts for soybean growers, for corn, for wheat, and sugar beets,” he says.  “To be able to provide the resources that Pepsi and Cargill need, and Target sells.”

The $95 million grant was signed during Commodity Classic. 

AUDIO: Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack’s comments at Commodity Classic