Virginia's soil and water conservation districts (SWCDs) are concerned about nonpoint source (NPS) pollution. This pollution is so named because it doesn't come from a single point, such as a sewage outfall or industrial discharge pipe. NPS pollution isn't readily traced to a specific source. But it still contributes excess nutrients, pesticides, sediment, heavy metals and toxic substances to our waters.
Sources of NPS pollution are many, but one of the most significant is agriculture. Because agriculture requires many acres, its potential impact on water quality is great. For example, one EPA study estimates that 27 percent of the phosphorus and 60 percent of the nitrogen entering the Chesapeake Bay originate from cropland. These pollutants need to be controlled in order to protect the environment.
The farm community has a tradition of being stewards of the land. By managing it wisely, farmers have made food both inexpensive and abundant in this country. SWCDs wish to help strengthen this ethic.
The business of farming requires as much planning and organization as any other. Strategies to protect surface and ground water should be in those plans.
Locally, districts concentrate on helping farmers in designated priority watersheds. Assistance is available year-round to individuals willing to carry out an approved conservation plan. Many plans qualify but all must be approved by the local district board to participate in some programs. Districts seek and recruit individuals whose efforts can make the greatest positive impact upon water quality.
One tool SWCDs use to help farmers is the Virginia Agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs) Cost-Share Program. It provides funds to help install conservation practices that protect water and make farms more productive. Funding availability varies by district. The state provides districts funds to target areas with known water quality needs. Areas with the greatest need receive the greatest funding.
The cost-share program supports using various practices in conservation planning to treat animal waste, cropland, pastureland and forested land. Some are paid for at a straight per-acre rate. Others are cost-shared on a percentage basis up to 75 percent. In some cases, USDA also pays a percentage. In fact, the cost-share program's practices can often be funded by a combination of state and federal funds, reducing the landowner s expense to less than 30 percent of the total cost.
Because demand for cost-share assistance is great, districts support the implementation of only those plans which meet local water quality guidelines. Since all requests can't be satisfied, priority ranking of practices must be used to make sure money is distributed and spent wisely.
The most an individual may receive is $50,000. In any case, the state cost-share payment, combined with federal payments, will not exceed 75 percent of the total eligible costs.
Cost-share funds are also available for approved innovative BMP demonstration projects intended to improve water quality. Districts and individuals design the project and install and demonstrate the innovative technology or management system.
All practices in the program have been included because of their ability to improve or protect water quality. Many will also increase farm productivity by conserving soil and making wise use of other farm resources.
Another tool is the Virginia Agricultural BMP Tax Credit Program, which began with the 1998 tax year. The program supports voluntary installation of BMPs that will address Virginia's nonpoint source pollution water quality objectives.
Agricultural producers with an approved conservation plan can take a credit against state income tax of 25 percent of the first $70,000 spent on agricultural BMPs. The amount of the tax credit can't exceed $17,500 or the total state income tax obligation.
Your BMPs, if approved, will be inspected by the district after they're installed. Soon after this certification, you'l receive cost-share payments or a tax credit approval from your local SWCD.
A third tool, also a tax credit, encourages farmers to use conservation equipment. Sprayers for pesticides and liquid fertilizers, pneumatic fertilizer applicators, manure applicators, tramline adapters, and starter fertilizer banding attachments for planters qualify for a tax credit equaling the lesser of 25 percent of the equipment purchase or $3,750. Additionally, conservation tillage equipment is eligible for a 25 percent tax credit not to exceed $2,500. The equipment must meet state-established criteria, and the farmer must have a nutrient management plan approved by the local SWCD.
Need help with your conservation plan? The place to begin is your local soil and water conservation district. It will always help a landowner willing to support Virginia s efforts to protect water quality.
Do you want financial assistance with your conservation efforts? If so, contact your nearby conservation district for a cost-share application form and/or tax credit assistance for the practices needed to implement your conservation plan. The district board must then approve the request.
Other agencies that offer assistance include the USDA Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, and the Virginia Department of Forestry. More information is also available from the Department of Conservation and Recreation, (804) 786-2064.
Click here to the 2004 BMP Cost-Share Program brochure (PDF)
