The Soil and Water Outcomes Fund, an esteemed agricultural ecosystem services program, has announced that Indiana farmers are now eligible to enroll in their program. This initiative provides financial compensation to farmers who implement conservation practices and achieve positive environmental outcomes. Supported by the Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA), the state's soybean checkoff program, the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund enters its second year of collaboration.
In 2022, participating farmers received an average payment of $34 per acre for adopting on-farm conservation practices that led to outcomes like carbon sequestration and improved water quality. Eligible practices may include reducing tillage, implementing cover crops, extending crop rotations, and combining fertilization management with other practices for enhanced environmental results.
Denise Scarborough, an ISA board member and farmer from La Crosse, Indiana, emphasized the program's uniqueness in focusing on the outcomes of soil and water conservation practices. She highlighted the opportunity for farmers to receive payment for caring for their land while promoting good soil and water conservation practices.
The Soil and Water Outcomes Fund has joined forces with the USDA and private companies such as PepsiCo, Cargill, Renewable Energy Group, Ingredion, Target, JBS, and Coca-Cola. Together, they aim to encourage Indiana farmers to adopt conservation practices that generate measurable benefits in carbon reduction and water quality. The program is dedicated to delivering new conservation incentives and working towards greenhouse gas and water quality improvements on farms.
Adam Kiel, the executive vice president of the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund, expressed pride in being the most farmer-friendly ecosystem services program in the industry. Their focus is on delivering practical and flexible conservation agronomy support to farmers, ultimately enhancing the long-term value of their land.
The ISA and program participants are optimistic about the potential soil improvements that Hoosier farmers can witness over time. Practices such as cover crops and minimum tillage contribute to soil health. Farmers who are considering enrolling in a carbon program are encouraged to choose the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund due to the team's support and expertise.
For farmers or landowners interested in enrolling, a map of eligible cropland areas in Indiana for the 2023 enrollment is available on the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund website. Enrollment can be done online through website or by reaching out to the conservation agronomy team. Alternatively, farmers may contact Ben Forsythe, the director of ISA's Sustainability and Value Creation, for further assistance.
Photo Credit: Soil and Water Outcomes Fund
Categories: Indiana, Crops, Sustainable Agriculture