Utah Agricultural Voluntary Incentive Program (AgVIP)

The Agricultural Voluntary Incentive Program (AgVIP) is a voluntary, incentive-based program offered by the Utah Soil Health Program to help producers implement nutrient management and soil health practices on their operation. The goal of the program is to help agricultural producers improve soil health, water quality, and the overall resilience of their operation.

Utah agricultural producers. Participants work closely with a UDAF conservation planner to review their operation, explore conservation practices suited to it, and develop a customized conservation plan. Producers who successfully implement their plans are eligible for both monetary incentives and regulatory incentives, offered in cooperation with the Utah Division of Water Quality.

Enrollment is a three-year contract. Every enrolled producer receives a one-time $1,000 payment upon signing their conservation plan, plus annual payments for the three years enrolled. Annual payments range from $10–$20/acre depending on plan elements achieved: a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP) is required ($10/acre) and meeting three soil-health principles (at least one practice each) adds $5/acre. Bonus payments up to $5,000/year are available for adopting a new practice beyond the minimum for the life of the contract, or for expanding the acreage a practice covers. Each producer receives an in-field soil health assessment at the start and end of the contract.

Apply through the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food via the program page. AgVIP applications for the most recent cycle closed June 22 at 5:00 PM MDT; applicants are notified of their funding status in mid-July.