Improving the Environmental Impact of Farming and Agriculture with Native Seeds

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Seeding native plants in agricultural areas reaps several benefits, including soil improvement, watershed protection, wildlife habitat and quality forage for livestock.

The foliage of native plants reduces erosion by reducing the force of droplet impact. The roots of native plants stabilize the soil by knitting it together. In addition, roots of native plants can reduce soil compaction. Plantings of native meadows along waterways absorb nutrients that would otherwise run-off into streams and rivers.

Native plants also act as valuable field buffers, while native wildflower strips attract pollinators and support local wildlife. Native plants also reduce the need for pesticides, providing habitat for birds and insects that eat agricultural pests. Pollinator strips can also increase some crop yields. Livestock such as cattle, sheep and goats can also thrive on native plants in rotational grazing systems. ERNMX-124 is a great match for these kinds of projects.

Growing Opportunities for Farmers and Agriculturalists Who Use Native Seeds

Programs available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service give farmers an opportunity to realize the benefits of planting native species. These voluntary programs include:

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP):

Who’s Eligible?: Owners and operators of agricultural or forest land who are interested in conserving natural resources on their farm or ranch lands or nonindustrial private forest lands; entities involved in water conservation or irrigation efficiency with projects on or adjacent to a producer’s land.
Goals: Improving soil health, water quality and air quality; managing nutrients, pests and invasive species; and developing habitat for pollinators and other wildlife on eligible agricultural and forest land.
Benefits: EQIP provides technical assistance and 75-90 percent of the costs for implementing practices that conserve natural resources. Planting cover crops, implementing a rotational grazing system, installing hedgerows for wildlife habitat and constructing seasonal high tunnels (or, hoop houses) are a few examples of projects that can be completed through EQIP.

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP):

Who’s Eligible?: Agricultural producers with environmentally sensitive land.
Goals: To reserve marginal agricultural land for planting native plants to manage soil erosion, water quality and wildlife habitat.
Benefits: Through a 10-15 year contract, farmers receive rental payments or cost-share assistance to plant species that improve the environment. With more than 20 million acres protected, the reduction of water runoff and sedimentation protects groundwater and aboveground waterways. Wildlife populations in many areas of the U.S. have increased as a result of CRP as well.

Several programs within CRP are dedicated to specific types of landscapes:

Grassland CRP Working Lands: Producers are allowed to make hay, produce seed and graze livestock on grasslands enrolled in CRP provided the current ground cover is maintained. Cost share is available for fencing and livestock watering.
State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) Initiative: Landowners support wildlife populations by establishing buffers, grasses, wetlands or trees. A barrier to soil and nutrient run-off, these plantings also protect soil health and water quality

Clean Lakes, Estuaries and Rivers (CLEAR) Initiative: This initiative focuses on reducing harmful algal blooms and nutrient and sediment loads in various bodies of water. Some of the practices implemented include various types of buffers, waterways and wildlife habitat.
CLEAR30: Rather than 10-15-year contracts, participants in this program enter 30-year contracts for longer-term conservation impacts. Previous CRP or Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program enrollment must have expired prior to Sept. 30, 2021.
Forest Management Incentive: CRP participants with existing trees receive funding to improve forest conditions, enhance wildlife habitat and manage the forest. Eligible practices include brush management, prescribed burning, early successional habitat and others.

Creating Success with Native Seeds

Visit our online resource center where you will find our establishment guides and seedling gallery. Our establishment guides contain tips on site preparation, planting and maintenance. To help confirm that your meadow is growing, see our seedling gallery.