By Nina Gage, VT Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets - June 2022
The Agency’s Farm Agronomic Practices (FAP) Program invests state funds in soil-based agronomic practices to improve soil quality, increase crop production, and reduce erosion and surface runoff from agricultural fields. The program is now open for applications for any practices planned July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023.
The FAP program operates on a first-come first-served model and requires relatively little paperwork compared to some other funding programs. If you are interested in installing one of these conservation practices this summer, fall or spring we highly encourage you to look into this program, and to apply as far ahead of time as possible.
Please submit one application for all practices planned until June 30, 2023, and ensure you meet deadlines as follows:
- Applications which include Rotational Grazing are due June 15, 2022. If you are applying for rotational grazing, you must submit a grazing plan and map with your application that clearly indicate which pastures you are seeking assistance for.
- Applications which include cover cropping are due August 1, 2022.
- All other practice applications are due 30 days prior to planned install.
FAP cannot fund practices that the applicant is receiving payment for under another state or federal agreement. Please note that Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) payment rates for each of these practices are higher than FAP payment rates, so if you have the option you would benefit from signing a contract with NRCS instead of/before coming to FAP.
For more information on the FAP program requirements and to apply go to agriculture.vermont.gov/fap
If you have specific questions about practice eligibility, or how the FAP program works, you can contact Nina Gage at Nina.Gage@vermont.gov or 802-622-4098 or Sonia Howlett at Sonia.Howlett@vermont.gov or 802-522-4655.
Caption: Well-managed rotational grazing doesn’t just benefit water quality, it can improve your land, forage, and livestock health. Rotationally grazed pastures that meet FAP program requirements, including adequate residual vegetation, exclusion of livestock from surface water, and use of a grazing plan, are eligible for FAP payment at an annual rate of $30/acre.