Seeding and Filter Strip (SFS) Program

The Seeding and Filter Strip (SFS) grant program provides technical and financial assistance to support the long-term installation of perennial vegetation. The goal is to help reduce soil erosion & agricultural runoff, preventing this runoff from reaching waterbodies. The program funds the establishment of filter strips, pasture/hay plantings, grassed waterways, and associated infrastructure (e.g. erosion or grade control structures). The program prioritizes seeding down areas which present a significant water quality concern. All practices implemented under the SFS program can be harvested for hay.  

Program Factsheet 

Eligibility: 

• Applicant must be a farm as defined in Vermont’s Required Agricultural Practices (RAPs).
• Applicant must control the enrolled land either through ownership or a lease that covers the maintenance agreement period of 10 years.
• Land must be in active use, as defined in 32 V.S.A. § 3752(15), and within 300 ft of surface water or a ditch.
• Land must be currently maintained as 1) annual cropland, 2) pasture or hayland with a prior history in annual crops within the past five years, or 3) a buffer zone as required by the Required Agricultural Practices (RAPs).
• Project must meaningfully address on-site natural resource concerns.

Eligible Practices: 

• Filter Strip  
• Pasture/Hayland Planting  
• Grassed Waterway 
• *Other construction-related practices which are necessary to the success of Filter Strips, Pasture and Hayland Plantings or Grassed Waterways may be also eligible for up to 90% cost share. Examples of eligible practices/expenses include lined waterways, stable outlets, erosion control structures, re-grading work, and clean water diversion structures.

Practice Payment Rates: 

Program Details:

• Project planning must include the development of a mapped plan of the practice. The plan, including seeding species and rates, must be approved by VAAFM prior to grant award and project installation.
• Maintenance agreements are for 10-year periods.
• Total grant award/payment will not exceed $50,000 per project. Practice payment will not occur until after the practice is installed, and certified by VAAFM staff.
• All enrolled land must be maintained as harvestable perennial vegetation and managed to promote practice function for the length of the maintenance agreement.

How to Apply:

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis but are due at least 60 days prior to the planting date. Optimal planting windows for perennial seedings in Vermont vary across the state but are in early spring (April 15- May 30 for plant hardiness zone 4b) and late summer (August 7-September 15 for plant hardiness zone 4b).

Apply Now:

Online Application

While we recommend that you submit your application online, you can also print or download the SFS Application PDF and submit to AGR.WQBMP@vermont.gov or to send it to SFS Program, 116 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05620. 

Program Contacts:

Emma Eason | 802-261-5628 | Emma.Eason@Vermont.gov

Ben Gabos | 802-461-3814 | Ben.Gabos@Vermont.gov