Virginia Best Management Practice: Three Year Contract for Nutrient Management Plan Implementation and Record Keeping (NM-2)

Program Description:

The purpose of this practice is to provide a financial incentive to agricultural operators that implement qualified nutrient management plans, and provide records of nutrient applications.

Nutrient management plans must be up to date and fully implemented for the duration of the three-year contract period. Records for all applied nutrients must be maintained by the farmer for a period of one year following payment and are subject to spot-check and verification by the Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) or Department of Conservation and Recreation. A copy of the nutrient management plan, and the planner's Nutrient Management Planner certification number, a completed Imported Manure Supplier Verification form if applicable, the acreage receiving on-farm generated animal manure and commercial fertilizer application and the acreage receiving only commercial fertilizer and/or imported animal manure application for each plan must be submitted to the SWCD to receive cost-share payment.

Landowner Eligibility:

All individuals and business entities operating agricultural land within the boundaries of the Commonwealth of Virginia are eligible to participate in the Virginia Agricultural Best Management Practices Cost-Share Program. Applicants shall self certify that they meet the above criteria. Soil and Water Conservation Districts may request that applicants provide proof of agricultural production. To be considered an agricultural producer there must be an annual minimum of $1,000 of agricultural products being produced, sold or both from the applicant's agricultural land (non-industrial private forest lands are exempt from the $1,000 requirement).

Land Eligibility:

In order to be eligible for cost-share, nutrient management plans must be prepared.Cropland which may receive applications of biosolids is eligible. This implementation contract will be for a period of three years.

Contract Length:

3 Years

Cost-Share/Payment Information:

Participant must certify in writhing that he/she will not utilize a Tax Credit to receive cost-share funding. Cost-share payments for implementation and record keeping will not be made until after nutrient application record keeping forms, and/or annually revised plans have been received by the SWCD.

The current tax credit rate, which is subject to change in accordance with the Code of Virginia, is 25% of the total eligible cost not to exceed $17,500.00.