NRCS Programs Available Now for Perennial Grains – Enhancement E3280
The E3280 Perennial Grain enhancement is available to new Kernza producers through the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s EQIP and CSP programs. The enhancement provides a scenario/practice payment to the producer for the time needed to plan and implement changes to crop rotations that effectively add a perennial grain to their cropping system.
EQIP 328 Conservation Crop Rotation is available for perennial grains in Minnesota and Michigan at this time to address specific, targeted natural resource concerns, typically on a shorter-term basis than CSP. Unlike CSP, the EQIP program is not a whole farm program. However, the application process and requirements are similar to CSP, and there is a ranking deadline by which applications must be submitted within the current funding cycle. NRCS can accept applications throughout the year.
The EQIP 328 scenario includes the establishment year as a program year. Whether planted in spring or early fall, the establishment year will count as the first crop year, with two additional years of productivity expected under the contract. While 3 years (including establishment year) is the minimum, the enhancement can be paid for a total of 5 years.
Like CSP, NRCS offers technical assistance for the program at no cost. The NRCS Technical Service Providers (TSP) offer personalized advice and information that is tailored to each operation to plan, design, and implement conservation practices.
The payment schedules for Minnesota and Michigan are specific to each state. Per NRCS, the scenario/practice payment is provided to the producer for the time needed to plan and implement the logistics of changing the rotation to effectively implement a conservation crop rotation on a cropland farm by adding a perennial grain to their cropping system. The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and EQIP programs pay for practice adoption at different rates (see below). Payments vary by whether a practice is stand-alone, part of a bundle, or a supplemental practice for CSP, but in general EQIP payment rate will be ≤75% of the new practice adoption.
*Previously planted Kernza will not qualify for the program.
Current Kernza producers are not eligible for this program; therefore, if you are considering planting Kernza in the fall, please contact your local NRCS office at least a year before you plan to plant!
See below for additional resources:
EQIP Application Process & Information
Application Timeline
CSP & EQIP Program Deadlines
USDA Example Scenarios for Minnesota & Michigan
A Step by Step Guide to USDA Farm Program Enrollment & Incentives for Kernza
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- Step by Step Guide: Learn how to certify your Kernza acres with FSA and enroll your existing Kernza acres to be eligible for NAP risk management. This guide also covers how to apply for NRCS programs to support future Kernza plantings