Browse Ambrook’s collection of funding programs by Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM)

1. Apply for EQIP-Assist when the farmer has ranked out for an EQIP Contract.
2. Apply for Technical Assistance as soon as a water quality concern is identified or a need for permitting or variance assistance arises.
3. Apply to the Farmstead Best Management Practices (BMP) Program annually by April 1st for design services and funding of conservation practice.
All applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications for the Farmstead BMP Program received after April 1st will be rolled into the next year's applicant pool.
Prior to applying please read the important information below:
- BMP projects are only eligible for State cost share dollars if the they meet the design standards and specifications established by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) or are designed and certified by a professional engineer licensed in the State of Vermont and are equivalent to the federal performance standards and specifications.
- Applying does not ensure an award.
- Grant agreements must be in place prior to the start of construction.
- Farmer is responsible for financing the project during construction and receives reimbursement upon certified project completion.
- Final cost share payment is determined by actual project costs as documented by itemized invoices.
- Farmer’s equipment and labor costs are eligible for reimbursement.

Online Application

The Agricultural Engineering Section assist farmers&#x2004;with on-farm improvements designed to abate non-point source agricultural waste discharges into the waters of the state of Vermont. It is our mission to assist Vermont farmers to achieve and maintain regulatory compliance in a way that is viable for the operation of the farm and of benefit to water quality by providing technical assistance, project management and financial assistance. The section administers three programs to assist farmers:

1. The EQIP-Assist Program is an opportunity for farmers with NRCS EQIP contracts to receive additional cost share on the practices installed as part of the EQIP contract.

2. The Technical Assistance Program is available to provide water quality compliance consultations, state permitting assistance or variance assistance.

3. The Farmstead Best Management Practices (BMP) Program provides engineering services on a priority basis for the design of BMPs at no cost to the farmer and can cost share on the construction of eligible practices.



The Agricultural Engineering Section assist farmers with on-farm improvements designed to abate non-point source agricultural waste discharges into the waters of the state of Vermont. It is our mission to assist Vermont farmers to achieve and maintain regulatory compliance in a way that is viable for the operation of the farm and of benefit to water quality by providing technical assistance, project management and financial assistance. The section administers three programs to assist farmers:
1. The EQIP-Assist Program is an opportunity for farmers with NRCS EQIP contracts to receive additional cost share on the practices installed as part of the EQIP contract.
2. The Technical Assistance Program is available to provide water quality compliance consultations, state permitting assistance or variance assistance.
3. The Farmstead Best Management Practices (BMP) Program provides engineering services on a priority basis for the design of BMPs at no cost to the farmer and can cost share on the construction of eligible practices.

The Agricultural Engineering Section provides Technical and Financial Assistance (TA & FA) pursuant to 6 V.S.A. §§ 4820 -4826. Farms required to comply with the Required Agricultural Practices are eligible to apply. Applications are evaluated according to the funding priorities established in statute and receive priority based on a priority ranking and risk assessment. Funding is available according to the cost share policy.
Examples of conservation practices eligible for cost share through the Farmstead BMP Program
- Manure storage
- Composting stack pad
- Barnyard runoff collection
- Gutter / ditch clean water diversion
- Laneway development & stream crossings
- Exclusion fencing & watering facilities
- Milk house waste collection & treatment
- Silage leachate collection

A payment that requires some percentage of matching contributions by the recipient.

Cost Share

A lump sum of money for a specific purpose that does not need to be paid back.

Grant

- Download Program Factsheet
- BMP Construction Log Booklet
- NRCS VAAFM Release Form
- BMP Planning Checklist
- BMP Pre-Construction Form

Waste & Manure Management

Irrigation

Water Quality

Waterway Protection

Wetland Conservation

Water Management

Waste & Compost

Nutrient Management

Apply online. Practices installed before applying to FAP cannot be reimbursed. All applications are due at least 30 days prior to practice implementation and are reviewed in the order received (submitting does not guarantee a grant agreement).

Deadlines: SPRING + YEARLONG practices — apply by April 1; FALL practices only (fall cover crop and/or fall manure injection) — apply by August 1. Submit one application for all practices planned January 1–December 31.

If applying for rotational grazing, develop a Grazing Plan (NRCS/VAAFM template) and grazing map(s). To request a PDF or mailed copy of the application, email AGR.WaterQuality@Vermont.gov at least 2 weeks before the deadline; completed applications may be emailed to the same address or mailed to FAP Program, 116 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05620. Reimbursement claim forms must be submitted no later than December 15 (up to twice per year, spring and summer/fall).

The Farm Agronomic Practices (FAP) Program provides Vermont farms with grants to install soil conservation practices. Grants are limited to $10,000 per farm operation per calendar year (January 1–December 31). There is no competitive review process — funding is awarded in the order applications are received (applying does not guarantee funding). The FAP program also provides farms and service providers with Agronomic Training grants to attend trainings on agricultural water-quality&#x2004;regulations and/or the impacts of agricultural practices on water quality.


Eligible practices (Vermont farms subject to the Required Agricultural Practices and in Good Standing with the State): Cover Crop, Crop to Hay, No Till, No-Till Pasture and Hayland Renovation, Rotational Grazing, and Manure Injection.


Practice payment rates (last updated for Calendar Year 2026; rates may change annually with demand/funding):

- Cover Crop: $55/acre if planted before Oct 1, or $40/acre if planted before Oct 10.

- Crop to Hay Rotation: $60/acre.

- Rotational Grazing: $30/acre.

- No Till Crop Planting: $15/acre.

- No-Till Pasture and Hayland Renovation: $30/acre.

- Manure Injection: $30/acre.



The Farm Agronomic Practices (FAP) Program provides Vermont farms with grants to install soil conservation practices. Grants are limited to $10,000 per farm operation per calendar year (January 1–December 31). There is no competitive review process — funding is awarded in the order applications are received (applying does not guarantee funding). The FAP program also provides farms and service providers with Agronomic Training grants to attend trainings on agricultural water-quality regulations and/or the impacts of agricultural practices on water quality.

Eligible practices (Vermont farms subject to the Required Agricultural Practices and in Good Standing with the State): Cover Crop, Crop to Hay, No Till, No-Till Pasture and Hayland Renovation, Rotational Grazing, and Manure Injection.

Practice payment rates (last updated for Calendar Year 2026; rates may change annually with demand/funding):
- Cover Crop: $55/acre if planted before Oct 1, or $40/acre if planted before Oct 10.
- Crop to Hay Rotation: $60/acre.
- Rotational Grazing: $30/acre.
- No Till Crop Planting: $15/acre.
- No-Till Pasture and Hayland Renovation: $30/acre.
- Manure Injection: $30/acre.

- Vermont farms required to comply with the Required Agricultural Practices are eligible to apply for practice assistance. 
- Organizations and businesses providing educational events for Vermont farms are eligible to apply for educational or instructional activity assistance.

- Fact Sheet
- Program Information and Practice Requirements

Reduced Tillage

Conservation

Regenerative

Carbon Capture

All applications are received on a rolling basis. Awards are determined based on a complete application and alignment of project with program goals.  
The application process follows 5 main steps:
1. Initial Application - Farm Operator submits a PSWF Application 
2. Assigned VAAFM Staff or Partner - VAAFM Staff or Partner Technical Assistance (TA) provider follow up with applicant to determine eligibility and assist with the application process and paperwork
3. Project Planning - Farm Operator, with assistance from VAAFM Staff or Partner TA provider, develops a Project Plan Map, Estimated Budget/Contractor Quotes, and a Grazing Plan as applicable. 
4. Project Review - VAAFM Program reviews project application, plan, and budget. Finalizes application paperwork with applicant. Makes an award determination and provides notification of award to Farm Operator. 
5. Grant Award - Farm Operator and VAAFM sign Grant Agreement. Project begins! 
A complete project application includes:
- Submitted Application
- Project Map 
- Project Budget 
- Grazing Plan if applicable*
- W9 
- State of Vermont Good Standing Form 
- Certificate of Liability Insurance if applicable
- Land Lease Agreement if applicable
*Applications which include rotational grazing must include a Grazing Plan. If the applicant has a full Grazing Plan developed with NRCS or a Grazing Specialist, submit that. Otherwise, use the VAAFM Grazing Plan Template, which can either be filled in on your computer or printed and filled in by hand.  A VAAFM Staff or Partner TA Provider can help you complete a grazing plan. The Grazing Plan can also be used to apply to the VAAFM Farm Agronomic Practice Program.

- Online Pasture and Surface Water Fencing Grant Application 
- Printable Pasture and Surface Water Fencing Grant Application
- VAAFM Grazing Plan Template

Prior to applying, please read the important information below:
- Submitting an application does not ensure an award.
- Grant agreements must be in place prior to the start of construction.
- Farmer is responsible for financing the project during construction and will only receive reimbursement upon certified project completion.
- Final cost share payment is determined by actual project costs as documented by itemized invoices.
- Farmer’s equipment and labor costs are eligible for reimbursement.
Contact For More Information
Connor Steckel, Agricultural Water Quality Program Coordinator/Grazing Specialist
PHONE: 802-522-0065
EMAIL: Connor.Steckel@Vermont.Gov 

The Pasture and Surface Water Fencing (PSWF) Program provides pasture management technical assistance and financial assistance to Vermont farmers to improve water quality and on-farm livestock exclusion from surface waters statewide.


### **Eligible Practices**

- Fence 

- Livestock Pipeline

- Water Source Development 

- Watering Facility 

- Improved Permanent Water Area 

- Stream Crossing 

- Electric Fence Chargers 

- Trails & Walkways





The Pasture and Surface Water Fencing (PSWF) Program provides pasture management technical assistance and financial assistance to Vermont farmers to improve water quality and on-farm livestock exclusion from surface waters statewide.

Eligible Practices
- Fence 
- Livestock Pipeline
- Water Source Development 
- Watering Facility 
- Improved Permanent Water Area 
- Stream Crossing 
- Electric Fence Chargers 
- Trails & Walkways



- Be a Vermont farm as defined in the Required Agricultural Practices
- Manage pastureland where water quality will benefit from implementation of improved pasture management and eligible and/or necessary conservation practices
- Have ownership or land control for the lifespan of the practice (10 years)
- Have an insurance policy that allows for the State and its employees and officers to be listed as additional insured

Eligible Projects:
- Fence 
- Livestock Pipeline
- Watering Facility 
- Improved Permanent Water Area 
- Stream Crossing 
- Electric Fence Chargers 
- Trails & Walkways


Livestock

Cattle

Pigs

Poultry

Sheep

Specialty Livestock

Beef Cattle

Dairy Cattle

Feeder Cattle

Slaughter Cattle

Calves

Heifers

Steers

Bulls

Barrows

Boars

Feeder Pigs

Hogs

Sows

Chickens

Cornish Hens

Ducks

Geese

Turkey

Ewes

Lambs

Rams

Alpacas

Beefalo

Bison

Buffalo

Caribou

Deer

Emus

Goats

Guinea Pigs

Llamas

Mink

Mohair

Ostrich

Pheasants

Quail

Rabbits

Reindeer

Water Buffalo

Beef Bottom Round

Beef Brisket

Beef Chuck Roast

Beef Eye Round

Beef Flank Steak

Beef Flat Iron Steak

Beef Heart

Beef Liver

Beef London Broil

Beef NY Strip Steak

Beef Oxtail

Beef Rib Steak

Beef Rump Roast

Beef Short Ribs

Beef Sirloin

Beef Sirloin Tip Roast

Beef Skirt Steak

Beef Soup Bones

Beef Stew Meat

Beef Tongue

Beef Top Round

Beef Whole Filet

Ground Beef

Broilers

Chicks

Fryers

Layers

Pullets

Roasters

Ducklings

Goslings

Poults

Toms

Ground Lamb

Lamb Chops

Lamb Heart

Lamb Leg

Lamb Liver

Lamb Shank

Lamb Shoulder

Lamb Stew Meat

Bison Calf

Bison Meat

Bucks

Nannies

Slaughter Goats

- Pasture and Surface Water Fencing Information Handout - 2025

Agritourism

Infrastructure

Disaster Relief

Emergency

- The Pasture and Surface Water Fencing (PSWF) Program provides no-cost pasture management technical assistance from experienced grazing specialists
- PSWF also provides financial assistance that reimburses 90% of the cost to install infrastructure that will improve pasture management, up to the farm’s grant amount.
    - Maximum grant amount when the project has livestock exclusion from surface waters is $15,000 per farm.
    - Maximum grant amount when there is no livestock exclusion from surface waters, but where rotational grazing will be implemented or improved is $10,000 per farm. Rotational grazing requires at minimum moving livestock at least twice per week.

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.

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 Annual Usage Report (Printable)
- CEAP Annual Usage Report (Excel)
- CEAP & FAP Combined Report (Printable)
- CEAP & FAP Combined Report (Excel)
- Fact Sheet

HVAC

Lighting

Repairs

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.

List of Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) Funding Opportunities