Genesee County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is accepting proposals from local farmers for cost-sharing projects for funding under Round 15 of the Agricultural Non-point Source Abatement and Control Program (Ag NPSACP). $13 million in program funds is available statewide for non-point source abatement and control projects that plan or implement agricultural Best Management Practices on New York State farms. The cost-sharing program is designed to help farmers address and prevent water pollution from agricultural activities by providing financial and technical assistance. All projects must consist of activities that will reduce, abate, control or prevent non-point source pollution originating from agricultural sources.
Enrollment of the farm in the Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) program is required. The AEM program provides a cost free, confidential environmental risk assessment of the farm (Tier II). After the farm assessment, the planning phase (Tier III) follows, this can include such projects as barnyard improvements, rotational grazing plans, livestock fencing, watering facilities, manure management and agrichemical mixing facilities. Cost-sharing of up to 75% of the cost of implementation of the project (Tier IV) is available through this grant.
Genesee County SWCD will apply for the competitive grant on behalf of farmers and coordinate funded projects. Farmers are invited to submit proposals for farm projects to be included in this grant application by December 5, 2008. For more information or to schedule an AEM farm assessment, contact Genesee County Soil and Water Conservation District at (585) 343-2362.
