Vermont Farm Agronomic Practices Grant (FAP)

The Farm Agronomic Practices (FAP) Program utilizes state funding to help Vermont farms implement soil-based agronomic practices that improve soil quality, increase crop production, and reduce erosion and agricultural waste discharges. The FAP program also provides education and instructional activity grants to support outreach regarding the impacts of agricultural practices on water quality and current state agricultural water quality regulations. Click here to learn more about the Farm Agronomic Practices program and its benefits to Vermont farmers.

Grants are limited to $10,000 per farm operation per State fiscal year [July 1 to June 30]. Funding rates may change based on program demand and available funding.

Applications are open year round but funding cutoff deadlines vary by practice type and project timeline:

Rotational Grazing applications are due June 15th

Fall field practices applications are due August 1st

Spring field practices applications are due April 1st

• 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.

1. Review the FAP program information and practice requirements.

2. Applications which include Rotational Grazing must include a Grazing Plan and Grazing Map/s. ​​​​​​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 grazing plan must include:

   1. Grazing Description and Overview,

   2. Total Number of Acres Grazed

   3. Animal Numbers and Forage Requirements and

   4. Recovery and Rest Period Calculations/Considerations

   5. Maps that clearly indicate the field boundaries of the acreage/pastures described in the Grazing Plan

3. Online application through this portal is strongly preferred. However, you can also print or download the application and submit with all other required documentation to AGR.WaterQuality@Vermont.gov or to FAP Program, 116 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05620

• Fact Sheet

• Program Information and Practice Requirements