A program is created to provide state financial assistance to Vermont farmers in support of their voluntary construction of on-farm improvements designed to abate non-point source agricultural waste discharges into the waters of the state of Vermont, consistent with goals of the federal Water Pollution Control Act and with state water quality standards. The program shall be conducted in a manner which makes maximum use of federal financial aid for the same purpose, as provided by this subchapter, and which seeks to use the least costly methods available to accomplish the abatement required.

Eligibility For State Assistance:

Vermont farmers shall be eligible to receive available state financial assistance with the installation of on-farm improvements designed to control agricultural non-point source waste discharges, provided that:

(1) for farmers who also seek federal financial assistance for this purpose, the improvements:

(a) are eligible for federal assistance through programs of the U.S. Department of Agriculture; and

(b) are consistent with a "nutrient management plan" prepared by the Vermont field office of the NRCS, or with an

animal waste system program standards equivalent to those of the NRCS; or

(2) for farmers who decline to seek or accept federal financial assistance for this purpose, the improvements:

(a) are determined by the Commissioner to be equivalent to those eligible for federal assistance through programs of

the U.S. Department of Agriculture; and

(b) are consistent with an animal waste management plan based on standards determined by the Commissioner to be

equivalent to those of the NRCS.

For more information on this program visit http://www.state.vt.us/agric/BMP.htm

For more information about loans and elegiablity please visit, http://www.state.vt.us/veda/vacc.htm