July 24, 2019 | Montpelier VT - The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) is reminding Vermont farmers interested in cover cropping assistance to apply by August 1, 2019. The Agency is offering more than $500K in funding for Vermont farms through the Farm Agronomic Practice (FAP) Program. The FAP Program invests state funds in soil-based agronomic practices to improve soil quality, as well as reduce erosion and surface runoff from agricultural fields. Farms can apply to receive up to $8,000 per farm operation for one of, or a combination of the following field practices:
- cover cropping,
- conservation crop rotation with or without a nurse crop,
- conservation tillage,
- no-till pasture/hay land renovation,
- manure injection,
- aeration,
- and rotational grazing.
Farm operations that meet the threshold for the Required Agricultural Practices are eligible to apply. Operations must be in good standing with agricultural water quality regulations in order to receive financial assistance.
Payment rates vary by practice type and applications are due for each practice at least 30 days prior to implementation, except cover cropping, which is due August 1st. Additionally, rotational grazing applications can be submitted at any point during the grazing season.
“These funds will go directly to Vermont producers for field practices to improve soil health and water quality. Agricultural operations are Vermont’s greatest opportunity to improve water quality, and we are proud to empower our producers with increased funding to help meet our clean water goals.” said Anson Tebbetts, Vermont Secretary of Agriculture, Food and Markets.
To learn more about the program requirements, or to apply online please visit agriculture.vermont.gov/fap.
For questions please contact:
Nina Gage | VAAFM Water Quality Division
802-622-4098 | Nina.Gage@Vermont.gov