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 to help reduce soil erosion & agricultural runoff and prevent it 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: 

• Land must be in ‘active use’ as defined in 32 V.S.A. § 3752(15), 
• Land must be currently maintained as 1) annual cropland, 2) pasture or hay land with a prior history in annual crops, or 3) a vegetative buffer zone as required by the Required Agricultural Practices (RAPs), section 6.07 (pg. 26) 
• Fields must be located within 300 ft of surface waters and/or ditches 
• Applicant must control the enrolled land either through ownership or a lease that covers the maintenance agreement period outlined in their grant agreement (5 or 10 years)  

Eligible Practices: 

• Filter Strip  
• Pasture/Hayland Planting  
• Grassed Waterway 

Other construction-related practices which are necessary to the success of Filter Strips, Pasture and Hay 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 for 5-year and 10-year periods are available, depending on the practice.
• 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:

Ellen Friedrich | 802-261-5629 | Ellen.Friedrich@Vermont.gov

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