Rulemaking Process Documentation
- VAAFM RAP Effective Rule (12/5/2016)
- SOS Memo to VAAFM re: Adoption of RAP Rule (11/18/2016)
- VAAFM Complete Filing Packet For Adoption of RAP Final Rule on 11/18/2016
- VAAFM Documentation Submitted to LCAR for 11/03/2016 Hearing (10/31/2016)
- LCAR Revised RAP Final Proposed Rule (10/31/2016)
- LCAR Revised RAP Final Proposed Rule ANNOTATED (10/31/2016)
- RAP Final Proposed Rule (09/14/2016)
- RAP Final Proposed Rule ANNOTATED (9/14/2016)
- RAP LCAR Filing Document w/o Public Comments Attached
- RAP Responsiveness Summary
- All Public Comments and Testimony Recived for 2016 Rulemaking Process
- RAP Propsed Rule (5/13/2016)
- RAP Final Proposed Rule Announcment
- Submit Public Comment on Proposed RAP Rule
- RAP Public Hearing Schedule
- Highlighted Changes Summary
- RAP Effective Dates Guidance
- Copy of 2nd Draft Public Comments Recieved
- Proposed RAP Rule Farm Size Factsheet
- Propsed RAP Rule Summary Factsheet
- Proposed RAP Rule Announcement
- RAP Summary
- RAP Rulemaking Timeline
- Agency Summary of Act 64 Requirements for RAPs
1st and 2nd Draft RAP Downloadable Documents and Helpful Links
- 1st Draft Required Agricultural Practices Document
- Submit Public Comment to VAAFM (e-mail)
- 1st Draft RAP Short Public Presentation
- 1st Draft RAP Detailed Public Presentation
- 1st Draft RAP Small Farm Designation Fact Sheet
- 1st Draft RAP Highlighted Regulations Fact Sheet
- Presentation on 1st Draft RAP Public Comments
- 2nd Draft RAP Document (2/23/2016)
- 2nd Draft RAP Responsiveness Summary (2/24/2016)
- 2nd Draft RAP Public Comments Received (2/23/2016)
- 2nd Draft RAP Summary Presentation
- 2nd Draft RAP Farm Size Factsheet
- 2nd Draft RAP Rule Summary Factsheet
- ICAR RAP Prefiling Draft
Accepted Agricultural Practices (AAPs) Regulations
Accepted Agricultural Practices Regulations (Effective April 24, 2006 - December 15, 2016)
Accepted Agricultural Practices (AAPs) are the foundation of Vermont’s Agricultural Nonpoint Source Water Quality Program. AAPs are state-wide restrictions designed to conserve and protect natural resources by reducing non-point source pollution through the implementation of improved farming techniques rather than investments in structures and equipment. All agricultural operators are required to conduct their farming activities in compliance with the AAPs, including all medium and large farms operating under permits.
The original AAP regulations, adopted in 1995, addressed animal waste management, erosion and sediment control, vegetative buffer zones along surface waters, fertilizer management and pesticide management. Amendments to Vermont’s Agricultural Water Quality Law (Title 6 Vermont Statutes Annotated, Chapter 215), along with 10 years of experience in working with the AAPs since their adoption in 1995, led to the need to update and revise the AAPs in 2006. The AAP regulations now include requirements related to the management of streambanks, animal mortalities, groundwater contamination, and setbacks for manure storage and land application.
Investigations into alleged violations of the AAPs are conducted by Vermont Agency of Agriculture Field Agents. These Agents also conduct investigations into cases of alleged pesticide misuse and collect samples of animal feed and fertilizer for analysis to ensure product quality and integrity