CATALYZING COVER CROP ADVANCEMENT AS A CLIMATE-SMART PRACTICE THROUGH A NATIONAL VARIETY IMPROVEMENT AND SEED PRODUCTION PROGRAM

The general goal of this project is to catalyze further adoption of cover crops as a climate-smart practice helping farmers adapt to climate change.Through transdisciplinary research, extension, and education activities, the project will develop a comprehensive national program on cover crop varietal improvement leading to increased use of regionally adapted varieties. The project will also train farmers to become producers of cover crop seed, ensuring an adequate supply of quality seed to meet market demand and USDA goals with climate-smart agriculture and cover crops.Specific objectives:1) Accelerate cover crop germplasm improvements for establishment vigor, winter-hardiness, biomass, allelopathy, disease resistance, seed yield, and other traits.2) Research cover crop germplasm differences in root growth and forage/grazing quality.3) Establish a National Cover Crop Variety Testing Program to determine optimal regional adaptation of improved varieties.4) Work with small and mid-sized farmers to develop new areas of cover crop seed productioncontributing to the sustainability of regional bioeconomies.5) Investigate and address barriers to growth in the cover crop seed industry.6) Create cover crop curriculum material and engage with cover crop seed industry representatives for participation in classroom discussions.7) Provide extension and outreach programs that catalyze adoption of improved cover crop varieties and support expansion of cover crop seed production.