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This program provides funds used to help install
conservation practices that protect water quality.
Funding availability varies by District. The state
provides District funds to target areas with known
water quality needs. Areas with the greatest need
receive the greatest funding.
The
cost-share program supports using numerous practices
in conservation planning to treat animal waste,
cropland, pastureland and forest land. Some are paid
for at a straight per acre rate, while others are
cost-shared on a percentage basis up to 75%. In some
cases, USDA also pays a percentage. In fact, the
program’s practices often can be funded by a
combination of state, federal and even private
funds, reducing the landowner’s expense to less than
20% of the total cost. 
Demand for cost-share assistance is great, and
Districts support the implementation of those BMPs
that meet local water quality guidelines. Since all
requests cannot be satisfied, priority ranking of
practices must be used to make sure that money is distributed and spent wisely.
The
most an individual may receive is $50,000. The state
cost-share payment, combined with federal payments,
will not exceed 75 % of the total eligible costs of
the straight per acre rate.
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The Yates
are awarded the 2006 Clean Water Farm Award for
their conservation efforts on their farm in
Brookneal, VA.
VA
Agricultural BMP Tax Credit Program
This program, which began in 1998, supports the
voluntary installation of BMPs that address
Virginia’s NPS pollution water quality objectives.
Agricultural producers with approved conservation
plan can take a credit against the state income tax
of 25% for eligible BMP expenses. The tax credit
amount cannot exceed $17,500 or the total state
income tax obligation for the given tax year, but
any excess expenses can be carried over for up to
five years.
For more information visit –
Department of Conservation and
Recreation
Best Management Practices |
