The USDA’s Advancing Markets for Producers initiative is a grant program that provides up to $13,750 per producer to cover the cost of perennial cover seed. This is an exclusive benefit for members.

When planting perennial cover crops/conservation cover and committing to no-till, producers will receive:

• First 10 acres of planted seed: 

  • 100% grant funded for up to $3750 for perennial seed cost

  • Grower prepays shipping, sales tax; OBC will coordinate for lowest available shipping costs

• Next 100 acres of planted seed: 

  • Additional incentive of $100/acre for the next 100 acres of perennial seed (first come first served)

  • Grower pays shipping, sales tax and cost of seed exceeding $100/acre for seed 

• If Oakville bluegrass is the selected cover, a Grower’s Guide to help manage establishment and implementation

• Invitations to annual educational events

• Guidance and support to manage carbon farming projects

• Grant processing support to meet environmental readiness as required by law

Eligibility:

• Domestically owned farms

• Located in California, Oregon, Washington, or Arizona

• Acres enrolled should not be receiving other USDA funds for the same practice

• Member of Oakville Bluegrass Cooperative

To apply for the incentive, you’ll need to provide the following which can be obtained from the FSA: 

• Farm, tract, and field numbers for the acreage you want to enroll

• Your Core Customer ID (CCID)

• A completed, current Form AD-2407 and Form AD-1026

• A subsidiary print from the FSA (reflecting the completion of AD-2407 and AD-1026) and any farm maps provided

• All projects will also be evaluated with CPA-52

The full program requirements are available for review.

*Freight excluded

The Oakville Bluegrass Cooperative’s Advancing Markets for Producers grant is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and supported by the USDA National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). 

The USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.