Oakville Bluegrass Cooperative opened enrollment for the inaugural year of the USDA climate-smart partnerships incentive to plant Oakville bluegrass, a summer-dormant perennial cover crop. Because Oakville bluegrass is dormant from April through September, it doesn’t compete with cash crops for water or nutrients making it ideal for California permanent crops. Planted on over 900 acres of vineyards and tree nut orchards, this low growing, drought tolerant cover crop will last over ten years when well managed, significantly reducing labor and input costs for growers. When well managed, this low growing, drought tolerant cover crop will last over ten years significantly reducing labor and input costs for growers.
The first cohort of growers who take advantage of the USDA incentive can receive a $100/acre incentive per seeded acre of the cover crop on up to 150 acres. The incentive is part of the USDA’s Climate Smart Commodities Program to equip growers with resources to implement climate smart practices.
In addition to the USDA incentive, Oakville Bluegrass Cooperative is offering free seed shipping and waiving install fees for a limited time for growers who commit to planting at least 20 seeded acres. Growers who are interested in participating in the USDA incentive and this special offer are encouraged to submit their preliminary plans soon in order to take advantage of these opportunities.
“Oakville bluegrass occupies a unique place in the market as a permanent cover solution,” Mike Morgenfeld, Managing Director for Oakville Bluegrass Cooperative shared. “When established correctly, it reduces operating costs over time while also building soil health and conserving water. Due to its low profile and drought resistance, it’s a unique solution for specialty crop growers in California. We’re excited to offer a way for growers to start their journey with this novel cover crop at a reduced cost.”
Interested growers can attend an online informational session on July 24 at 11 am by registering at https://www.obc.ag/events/obc-info-session-july or visit https://www.obc.ag/usda-climate-smart for more information.