ICM-NMP Incentive Grants

Integrated Crop Management

Nutrient Management Plan Cost Share

*Available Now As*

Nutrient Management Plan Incentive Grants

Download NMP Incentive Grant Application (.pdf)

The Change
Nutrient Management Plan Incentive Grants offer 100% payment of soil and manure/waste testing and $5,000 for 3 additional years of NMP updates.

The Program
In an effort to assist Vermont farms comply with Federal Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) and State Medium Farm Operation (MFO) regulations, the Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets is offering financial assistance for the development and maintenance of Nutrient Management Plans.

NMP Development
Eligible recipients may receive $6/acre to develop the NMP on cropland including hayland and may also receive $6/acre to develop the NMP on pastureland receiving mechanical application of nutrients. The incentive grant pays 100% of the cost of soil and waste testing ($9.00 per soil test and $30.00 per manure/waste test).

NMP Updates
An additional $2,000 per year is available for the 1st year and 2nd year NMP updates. $1,000 is available for the 3rd year update.

Total Payment
Total payment is limited to $13,000 for NMP development, soil and waste testing, and 3 additional years of NMP updates.

Technical Requirements
Final payment is contingent upon meeting all State MFO Nutrient Management requirements including but not limited to those requirements for soil and animal waste testing, nutrient recommendations, animal waste applications, Nutrient Management Plan content and format, recordkeeping, and reporting. A NMP developed according to the MFO NMP requirements will meet the NRCS Standard for Nutrient Management (Technical Practice Code 590). The MFO requirements for nutrient management are found within the MFO General Permit.

Click Here to go to the Draft MFO General Permit
Click Here to Download the Draft MFO General Permit (.pdf)

Farmers may complete their own NMPs; however, the completed NMP must be reviewed and verified for compliance by a NRCS Certified Nutrient Management Planner (also referred to as Technical Service Providers). For a list of certified planners, visit the NRCS Technical Service Provider website at http://techreg.usda.gov/

The final NMP must be submitted to the Agency for review prior to receiving payment.

For more information or an application, please contact:

Matt Kittredge

802-828-6908

Matt.Kittredge@state.vt.us

Abigail Pajak

802-828-1379

Abbi.Pajak@state.vt.us

Click Here For
*Medium Farm Operations Page*