Bill Overview
Title: Conservation Opportunity and Voluntary Environment Resilience Program Act
Description: COVER Act This bill directs the Department of Agriculture to establish a Good Steward Cover Crop Program to provide producers additional premium subsidies when they plant cover crops. Additionally, the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation must carry out a pilot program under which a producer who uses innovative soil health practices may receive additional premium subsidies on multi-peril crop insurance.
Sponsors: Rep. Casten, Sean [D-IL-6]
Target Audience
Population: Agricultural producers planting cover crops
Estimated Size: 200000
- The bill specifically targets agricultural producers who plant cover crops.
- Cover crops are typically used by farmers to improve soil health, control pests, and enhance water retention.
- The incentives are linked to the implementation of soil health practices, which are primarily of interest to producers in the agricultural sector.
- Globally, the number of people directly involved in agriculture is substantial, though not all of them may qualify for or participate in this program.
- Cover crops are used worldwide, but the uptake varies significantly between developing and developed regions.
Reasoning
- The COVER Act focuses on farmers who already practice or are willing to adopt cover cropping, representing a portion of U.S. agricultural producers.
- Given the estimated 2 million farms in the U.S., with a significant minority using cover crops, the program's participants are a subset of these.
- Budget limitations will restrict initial outreach, meaning not all interested farmers may receive benefits.
- In rural communities, the program might have a pronounced positive wellbeing impact due to economic benefits and environmental improvements.
- There will be variations in impact based on farm size, current practices, and regional climate considerations.
Simulated Interviews
Corn and Soybean Farmer (Iowa)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've been advocating for sustainable agriculture for years. This program seems like a step in the right direction.
- The additional subsidies would really help buffer against the unpredictability of the climate.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Napa Valley Vineyard Owner (California)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- We've always used cover crops for the health of our soil, so any subsidy would be welcome.
- Programs like this raise awareness and might encourage more producers to join our efforts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cattle Rancher (Nebraska)
Age: 37 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Cover crops always seemed like extra work with little immediate return.
- If this policy makes it financially viable, I might reconsider their use.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Organic Vegetable Farmer (Oregon)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- We have been doing this for years, it's great to see policies catching up.
- The subsidies would ease some financial strains, and might allow for expansion.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Grain Farmer (Kansas)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm not sure if the benefits outweigh the costs at my scale.
- I need to see it in practice and hear from peers before committing.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Cotton Farmer (Texas)
Age: 41 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Soil health is becoming more of a concern, anything that can help manage that is worth looking into.
- I'm interested in seeing real cost-benefit analyses on using cover crops.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Corn Farmer (Illinois)
Age: 33 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Group decisions can complicate rapid adoption of new practices, even if they're beneficial.
- Financial incentives could tip the scale towards trying cover crops.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Soybean Farmer (Mississippi)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- We've seen pest issues drop since incorporating cover crops.
- Additional subsidies would reinforce our experimentations with different cover varieties.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Wheat Farmer (North Dakota)
Age: 47 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- We need to rethink the relationship we have with our soil; cover crops could be a good start.
- The policy promises were encouraging, but I worry about bureaucratic hurdles.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Fruit and Vegetable Farmer (Florida)
Age: 31 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- We view sustainable practices as essential, not optional, with or without subsidies.
- Programs like the COVER Act can encourage those still on the fence.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $450000000 (Low: $300000000, High: $600000000)
Year 2: $450000000 (Low: $300000000, High: $600000000)
Year 3: $450000000 (Low: $300000000, High: $600000000)
Year 5: $450000000 (Low: $300000000, High: $600000000)
Year 10: $450000000 (Low: $300000000, High: $600000000)
Year 100: $450000000 (Low: $300000000, High: $600000000)
Key Considerations
- Participation rates are uncertain but critical for cost estimation.
- The effectiveness of cover crops in improving soil health and crop resilience can influence long-term savings on crop insurance claims.
- Administrative costs are significant given the program's scope and the need for education and outreach.
- Environmental benefits, such as improved water retention and reduced soil erosion, are indirect positive outcomes.
- Potential for increased adoption of innovative agricultural practices depending on program design and incentives.