Agricultural BMP Cost-Share Program

The Virginia Agricultural Best Management Practice Cost-Share Program is administered by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and through local conservation districts like the Shenandoah Valley Soil and Water Conservation District. These funds are provided in an effort to improve water quality in the state's streams, rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay.  

The program provides cost-share and technical assistance to landowners and agricultural operators that volunarily install best management practices. Best management practices that are eligible for cost-share generally focus on the reduction of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) and sediment as well as the prevention of additional pollution reaching our state waterways.

Cost-share rates vary greatly depending on the practice being installed. However, practices involving crops generally receive cost-share on a per acre basis. Most other practices receive cost-share based on a certain percentage of the total cost to implement the practice.  Many practices are eligible to receive 75% of the total cost required to implement the practice. There are certain watersheds (Hawksbill Creek and Mill Creek in Page County) which are considered of high importance and practices installed within these watersheds are eligible for cost-share amounts up to 85% of the total cost of installation.

Producers who implement best management practices and receive cost-share are also eligible for a state tax credit. The tax credit is 25% of the remaining eligible costs not paid for under the cost-share program.  It is also important to note that individuals who are not interested in receiving state cost-share but install best management practices to the district's specifications are eligible to receive the 25% state tax credit on all eligible expenses for the project.

The Virginia Best Management Practice Cost-Share Program offers many practices. These practices range from very simple to rather complex. Some of the more simple practices include cropland conversion to pasture, cover crops, and tree plantings. More involved practices may include stream exclusion with alternative watering systems and stream crossings as well as animal waste control facilities such as winter feeding areas, loose housing structures, and litter storage sheds.

If you are interested in learning more about the Virginia Best Management Practice Cost-Share Program or about practices that are elibible for cost-share or tax credit please feel free to contact us either by phone or email. For contact information click here.