NextGen Crop Insurance Pilot

Unsupported Browser Detected The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer. Supported Browsers Google Chrome Safari Microsoft Edge Firefox NextGen Crop Insurance Pilot Man holding tablet by corn field NextGen Crop Insurance Pilot What is the NextGen Crop Insurance Pilot? The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is investing in the NextGen Crop Insurance pilot, an initiative designed to give farmers greater choice and flexibility in their crop insurance coverage when they implement regenerative practices that improve soil health. Research shows that practices such as planting cover crops, diversifying crop rotations, and reducing tillage can improve farm resilience and profitability over time by building healthier soils and reducing the risk of crop loss. However, traditional crop insurance programs are largely based on a producer's historical yields and do not fully account for the long-term benefits of regenerative practices. The NextGen Crop Insurance pilot will help develop a new insurance model that more accurately reflects the reduced risks associated with regenerative practices, with pricing options designed to better align with farmers' long-term risk profiles. As more data becomes available, the pilot is intended to expand beyond Michigan to additional states and crops. Request more information Why should farmers participate in the pilot? NextGen Crop Insurance was developed to benefit farmers by: Granting greater choice and flexibility over pricing and coverage options through the pilot’s captive insurance program. Creating the opportunity to receive a dividend after remaining enrolled in the program for at least four years. Potentially lowering insurance premiums when soil health practices reduce the risk of crop loss. Enabling farmers to keep their existing federal crop insurance and their current insurance agent, while receiving supplemental support as they transition to regenerative practices that improve soil health. Who is eligible to participate in the pilot? The pilot is available for the 2027 crop year to eligible corn and soybean producers in and Tuscola counties who use cover crops, crop rotation, and no/low till. Additional eligibility requirements and enrollment information are available through NextGen Crop Insurance web page . MDARD's Investment MDARD is supporting the pilot through a $480,900 grant awarded to EarthShare, the fiscal sponsor of the Resilience in Agriculture Lending and Insurance Coalition (RALIC). MDARD’s grant funding supports the: Development of insurance rates using data from Michigan corn and soybean growers to better reflect the reduced production risks associated with regenerative practices that improve soil health. Creation of a captive insurance entity that gives participating farmers greater input into coverage design and pricing while allowing producers to pool resources for potential cost savings. Program Partners The NextGen Crop Insurance pilot was developed by the Resilience in Agriculture Lending and Insurance Coalition (RALIC), led by Transformational Investing in Food Systems (TIFS). The insurance product was developed by Aon's Agriculture Resilience Center and is being implemented in partnership with A3, The Nature Conservancy Michigan, the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts and other coalition partners. The pilot is supported through MDARD's Regenerative Agriculture Program which supports soil health and regenerative agriculture initiatives throughout Michigan. Follow us