Program Overview
Since 2020, PFI and the Iowa Soybean Association have partnered to provide the Cover Crop Business Accelerator program to new and established businesses around the Midwest.
With tailored business coaching, technical guidance and financial incentives, the program aims to support the cover crop seed and application businesses who foster the growth of cover crop practices.
Key Benefits
- Business growth consulting
- Agronomic support
- Capital investment cost-share
- Equipment or business expenses – 10% of the cost, up to $5,000
- Incentive payments
- Custom-seeding – $3 per acre, guaranteed up to $5,000
- Seed production – $20 per acre, guaranteed up to $2,000
- Networking and educational events
The program is currently limited to Iowa, Nebraska and Minnesota businesses.
Eligibility
This program is for farmers and entrepreneurs looking to open or grow a cover crop business in the Midwest.
Program Requirements
If you are eligible, here’s what the program will require of you:
- Have a strong desire to grow an existing business or create a new business that promotes the use of cover crops. This includes custom seeding, seed cleaning and seed production.
- Meet with a business growth consultant
- Engage with other members through mentorship or networking opportunities.
- Reside or do business in Iowa, Nebraska or Minnesota
How to Apply
Applications are currently closed. Fill out our interest form to be notified when the next enrollment period opens.
Program Impact
106
cover crop businesses across the Midwest have taken part in CCBA
$650k +
invested in cover crop businesses
Acknowledgements
Funding for this project is made possible by Builder’s Initiative and the Walmart Foundation.
Walmart.org represents the philanthropic efforts of Walmart and the Walmart Foundation. By focusing where the business has unique strengths, Walmart.org works to tackle key social and environmental issues and collaborate with others to spark long-lasting systemic change.
Builders Initiative is the philanthropic team at Builders Vision, an impact platform that aims to shift markets and minds for good in pursuit of its vision for a humane and healthy planet. The organization works to help address some of the most difficult environmental and sustainability challenges across three interconnected sectors: oceans, food & agriculture, and energy.
