Conservation Funds Available for Local Farms

Staff
©Rappahannock News 2005
08/24/2005

(CULPEPER, VA) – The Virginia Agricultural Best Management Practices Cost-Share Program provides funds used to help install conservation practices that protect water quality. Administered locally by the Culpeper Soil and Water Conservation District, the cost-share program supports numerous practices to restore and protect stream banks, better stabilize cropland, manage pasture land for maximum benefit, better utilize animal manures and manage forest land. All are designed to prevent soil and nutrients from being lost and entering local streams. Commonly referred to as “best management practices,” some management practices are paid at a straight per acre rate or are cost-shared on a percentage basis up to 75 percent of the total cost of the installation. In addition, the Virginia Best Management Practices Tax Credit Program allows producers to receive up to a 25 percent tax credit on their out-of-pocket expenses incurred on the installation of the best management practices. The conservation district has approximately $500,000 available to local farmers interested in improved stewardship. Of this, $62,420 has been prioritized for nutrient management, cover crops and continuous no-till. These practices have been identified by the Commonwealth as the most effective practices for promoting Chesapeake Bay restoration.

There are also numerous opportunities for conservation incentive payments through United States Department of Agriculture programs. Land owners/ managers interested in pursuing conservation improvements should contact the Culpeper District office at (540) 825-8591 or (540) 672-1638.

All producers in the Culpeper District coverage area are potentially eligible. The member counties are Culpeper, Greene, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock.

The mission of Culpeper Soil and Water Conservation District is to promote the stewardship of soil and water and the conservation of our natural resources by educating and providing technical assistance to manage, protect, and enhance the land and water for the benefit and enjoyment of the citizens of Culpeper, Greene, Madison, Orange, and Rappahannock counties.