Capital Equipment Assistance Program (CEAP)

Financial assistance is available for new or used innovative equipment that will aid in the reduction of surface runoff of agricultural wastes to state waters, improve water quality of state waters, reduce odors from manure application, separate phosphorus from manure, mitigate greenhouse gases, and reduce costs to farmers when they apply manure.

• Vermont Farms required to comply with the Required Agricultural Practices

• Custom Operators

• Non-Profit Organizations

• Phosphorus Extraction Equipment Providers

Eligible Equipment Categories:

• Precision Agriculture – to accurately and digitally observe, monitor and respond to field variability and improve nutrient management planning.

• Conservation Tillage – to reduce the frequency or intensity of tillage operations.

• Cover Crop Equipment – to increase or improve cover cropping implementation.

• Waste Management – to improve waste and nutrient management, nutrient application efficiency and methods.

• Feed Management – to reduce impacts from silage leachate and reduce feed imports.

Eligible equipment and corresponding funding caps or cost share rates can change based on funding availability and other factors, please refer to the most current Program Details for more information on eligible equipment.

Ineligible Equipment: The following types of equipment are not eligible* to receive CEAP funds:

• Frac Tanks, Manure Tankers or Manure Pumps

• Solid Manure Spreaders or Broadcast Manure Spreaders

• Tractors

• Equipment that performs full width tillage, deep tillage, or soil inversion

*Exceptions may be considered for nonprofit organizations performing agricultural research, with compelling justification.

CEAP can fund up to 90% of the cost of the purchase and setup of approved equipment, not including shipping, freight, and/or travel fees. The grantee must provide the remaining 10% of project cost. Other grants can be used to fulfil this match requirement.

NEW: 2027 Grant Applications are due July 15, 2026.

All grant applications must include the following REQUIRED components:

• Complete Questionnaire in Word version or PDF version

• 1-2 reputable quote/s for the requested equipment. Note that shipping or freight costs may be listed on your quote but are not eligible for financial assistance.

• Complete Application

Some types of application need additional documentation:

If applying for equipment to reduce silage leachate or to improve bedded pack management, reach out to Emma.Eason@vermont.gov to request a site visit of your existing silos/bunkers or bedded pack.

Letter(s) of Support are optional. Letters of support are especially recommended for custom applicators or farmers applying for shared equipment.

APPLY ONLINE! If you prefer to print your applications, download a printable or fillable PDF application packet. Paper/PDF applications may be submitted by email to AGR.WaterQuality@vermont.gov or mailed to VAAFM CEAP Program, 116 State St Montpelier VT 05620.

• CEAP Annual Usage Report (Printable)

• CEAP Annual Usage Report (Excel)

• CEAP & FAP Combined Report (Printable)

• CEAP & FAP Combined Report (Excel)

• Fact Sheet