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Assistance Programs

The VAAFM offers a variety of technical and financial assistance programs for farmers in order to to improve and protect water quality.

people sitting at an educational farm event
Agricultural Clean Water Initiative Program
Grants for local and regional partners to work with farms to improve statewide water quality
a red dairy barn
Best Management Practices
Technical and financial assistance for on-farm improvements and structural conservation practices to improve water quality
No till grain drill in a field
Capital Equipment Assistance Program
Financial assistance for equipment to aid in the reduction of surface runoff of agricultural wastes to state waters and improve water quality
a field with vegetative buffers
Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program
Funds to reduce sediment runoff and improve water quality by removing land from agricultural production and establishing vegetative buffers
cover crop in a farm field
Farm Agronomic Practice Grants
Grants to implement soil-based agronomic practices that improve soil and water quality and to support educational activities to improve soil health and water quality
a field with a filter strip
Grassed Waterway and Filter Strip Program
Technical and financial assistance to create perennial vegetated areas than can be harvested, grassed waterways, filter strips and critical source areas
three people discussing something on a clipboard standing on a farm
Pasture and Surface Water Fencing Program
Technical and financial assistance for pasture improvements and livestock exclusion from surface water
a lush, green meadow with wildflowers and a small hill in the distance
Vermont Farmers Ecosystem Stewardship Program
Supplemental payments to Vermont farmers who enroll/are enrolled in the NRCS Conservation Stewardship Program and engage in conservation planning on cropland or pasture
farm field and river
Vermont Pay for Performance Program
Performance-based payments to farmers for reducing phosphorus losses from their fields

Additional Assistance Providers

UVM Extension Business Assistance
Farm business educators with UVM Extension are available to work with dairy and livestock, as well as non-dairy farm owners to assess and plan for business changes to meet water quality goals.
Learn More
Return to the Water Quality Homepage
Water Quality Program Success Stories