The Iowa Farmers Union (IFU) is closely watching a bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that aims to expand federally subsidized crop insurance benefits to cover crops. The Conservation and Voluntary Environment Resilience Program (COVER) Act was introduced by Iowa Congresswoman Cindy Axne and Illinois Representative Sean Casten. The critical component in the bill is an additional $5 per acre insurance premium subsidy to farmers who plant cover crops as an incentive to encourage more producers to take up this practice. Cover crops carry a wide variety of benefits, including erosion prevention, improved soil health, pest control, broader biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and more. IFU President Aaron Lehman says, “Iowa Farmers should have incentives to use innovative conservation practices. The COVER Act makes a real investment in farmer innovations. It is a win for farmers and a win for the environment.” The bill also allocates $5 million for program support and authorizes the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to explore other subsidies that could advance soil conservation practices. The COVER Act still needs to gain support in the House and Senate if there is any chance of the bill becoming law.
