Sussex Conservation District accepting applications for cover crop cost share and referral programs

GEORGETOWN, Del. – The Sussex Conservation District is now accepting applications for its cover crop cost share and referral programs.

The cover crop program supports farmers in planting winter crops that improve soil health, reduce erosion, suppress weeds and protect water quality.

To be eligible, fields must be located in Sussex County.

Producers are encouraged to apply now to secure consideration.

We’re told final details of the program may be adjusted based on available funding.

“Cover crops are a very beneficial practice to producers because they can help improve their soil health, they can help reduce their input costs and they can help provide higher outputs on their crop yields,” said Siobhan Kelley with the Sussex Conservation District.

Current participants in the program can refer new producers.

Those referrals will help the Sussex Conservation District reach its goal of planting 90,000 acres of cover crops across Sussex County in 2026.

“One of the only stipulations that we have with the program is that there is a minimum of ten acres that would need to be planted, but there is a $500 referral payment for the referrer and the referree,” said Kelley.

Applications for the Sussex Conservation District’s cover crop cost share and referral program are due by July 25th.

For more information or to apply for the program, you are asked to contact Financial Programs Specialist Bobbi Heck at 302-856-3990 ext. 3 or bobbi.heck@de.nacdnet.net.

You can also visit Sussex Conservation District’s website.