Grants Available for Infrastructure Improvements that Enhance Water Quality
By the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board
September 26, 2019
The Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program, a program of the VT Housing & Conservation Board, has grant funds available for on-farm capital improvement projects that have a positive impact on water quality. Eligible farmers can apply for a Water Quality Grant, which provides $5,000 to $40,000 in funding. Matching funds are required and may include federal or state grants as well as cash, loans, or labor. Application deadlines are November 8, 2019 and March 20, 2020. More information, eligibility requirements, and applications are available on the Viability Program Website.
Water Quality Grants help farmers make water quality-related capital improvements that enhance manure management and soil health, reduce runoff, and ultimately support the long-term success of farm enterprises. The grants assist with the costs of improvements required to comply with new regulations and are designed to complement existing federal & state grant programs. These grants are funded by the State of Vermont through Vermont’s Capital Construction and State Bonding Act.
Anson Tebbetts , Secretary of the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, said, “The Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program’s Water Quality Grants enable farms to make lasting investments in the health of our environment, while also developing on-farm infrastructure that supports the future viability of these businesses.”
James Jones and his daughter Nicole own and operate Jones Farm in Craftsbury. In 2017, they were awarded a Water Quality Grant to upgrade the manure storage for their Heifer barn. The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets’ Best Management Practices Program also provided funding and engineering to this project. The new covered hoop house structure with a cement-padded barnyard prevents nutrient loss to the ground and nearby waterways while greatly improving the quality of the farm’s manure. The Jones' project was identified as a priority in the Land Treatment Plan by Orleans
County Conservation District staff.
Jones Farm Hoop House Heifer Manure Storage Project, constructed with 2018 VHCB Water Quality Grant; Craftsbury, VT. (Photo: VHCB)
James explained how this new infrastructure has benefited his bottom line while protecting water quality: “There is more manure going where we want, which prevents groundwater leaching and saves on commercial fertilizer costs. Storage also allows us to be more strategic with timing our spreading.” James said, “It’s more than just manure storage—the hoop house has improved our cow handling, which is much more efficient for us now. It’s been a huge savings in labor and the coverage has improved the quality of the manure.” To further support this increased efficiency and stewardship, James is working with the Orleans County Conservation District through the Memphremagog USDA Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) to implement a guiding fence and tree line near the barnyard, increasing the stream buffer area.
Viability Program grants help farmers leverage additional funds for projects or implement changes more quickly and effectively. Past projects funded with Water Quality Grants have included manure storage and management systems, barn and barnyard improvements, grazing infrastructure, wastewater management, no-till equipment, and more.
For more information, please contact: Aaron Guman, Viability Program Coordinator
Aaron@vhcb.org; 802-828-5587
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The Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program provides business planning, technical assistance, and ownership transfer planning to farm, food and forest products businesses. For more information about the Viability Program, please visit www.vhcb.org/viability.