Incentives for Conservation Practices

Earn annual payments for implementing regenerative practices like cover crops, reduced or no-till, and nutrient management plans. Grown Climate Smart rewards farmers in 13 eligible states who are committed to building healthier, more resilient farmland.

Grown Climate Smart is more than a sustainability label — it’s a farmer-focused incentive program that pays you to adopt and maintain regenerative farming practices like cover crops, reduced or no-till, and nutrient management plans. By joining, you’ll receive direct per-acre payments while improving your soil health, building weather resilience, and playing a key role in a sustainability focused supply chain.

Whether you're already using these practices or just getting started, Grown Climate Smart helps you turn stewardship into new revenue. The program is backed by USDA funding and operates across 13 states.

Want to apply? Get started on our Forms & Standards page.

Young corn plants growing in a field under a clear blue sky.

Land Use

  • Must be grown on acres implementing at least one high-impact conservation practice (e.g., cover crops, no-till, nutrient management).

NRCS Guidelines

  • Practices should follow general production standards outlined by your state NRCS office.

Carbon Reduction

  • Contributes to measurable carbon reduction and regenerative outcomes.

Marketing and Labeling

  • Is marketed and labeled as the Grown Climate Smart approved brand name and logo.

Why Growers Join Grown Climate Smart

  • ➤ Annual Incentives

    Earn annual per-acre payments for conservation practices.

  • ➤ Improved Soil & Resilience

    Support better water retention, soil health, and long-term productivity.

  • ➤ Part of a Growing Supply Chain

    Be part of a supply chain for brands championing launching regenerative and sustainable products.

  • ➤ Future-Proof Your Farm

    Position your operation to meet future demand from buyers and consumers looking for sustainably grown commodities.

Qualified Grown Climate Smart Practices

  • Field of green soybean plants under sunlight

    Cover Crops

  • Field with rows of green crops under a blue sky.

    Reduced Till or No-Till

  • Close-up of dark soil with blurred green grass in the background.

    Nutrient Management Plans

Ready to Apply?

Take 3 minutes to complete the application and see how your farm can benefit. Get started on our Forms & Standards page.

Corn, soybean, and wheat farms implementing regenerative practices like cover crops, reduced or no-till, and nutrient management plans in the following states are encouraged to apply for annual incentive payments:

  • Wisconsin
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Minnesota
  • Michigan
  • Ohio
  • New Jersey
  • Iowa
  • Pennsylvania
  • Arizona
  • California
  • New York
  • Kansas