North Jersey RC&D AgAssist Commitment: Small-Scale

A pilot for small-scale growers: cost-share on no-till or low-till equipment (no-till drill, strip tiller, flail mower, roller crimper, silage tarp, broadfork, no-till planter or transplanter) plus a partial risk payment, in exchange for a three-year commitment to use the equipment on dedicated acreage, cover crop at least 1/4 acre each year and use no- or low-till practices. Open to farms in targeted Delaware River sub-watersheds in New Jersey.

• Farms within targeted Delaware River watersheds (portions of the Musconetcong, Lopatcong, Pequest, Pohatcong, Harihokake, Nishisakawick, Lockatong, Wickecheoke and Alexauken subwatersheds).

• Farms producing agricultural products worth $2,500 or more annually (case-by-case exceptions).

• No simultaneous payment from other programs (e.g., NRCS) for the same equipment or same cover-cropped fields.

• Equipment purchased before signing an Agreement Letter is not eligible.

3-year commitment; cover crop at least 1/4 acre each fall (multi-species by Sept. 15, single species by Dec. 1); yearly short report or attendance at one network event.

Published amounts: A 90% cost-share up to $5,000 on eligible equipment (98% for Historically Underserved producers), plus a partial risk payment of up to $1,000 for every 1/4 acre enrolled in no-till/low-till per year (max 1 ac).

Apply online with the 'Application' button on the program page; questions to Sam at sloscalzo@northjerseyrcd.org or (908) 574-5368.

Deadline text on the page: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and batch processed approximately twice per year.