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1. Who is eligible?

If you are a landowner or renter of an existing agricultural operation that has been operating for more than three years, you are eligible to participate in the Agriculture Cost Share Program.

2. How Is the Agriculture Cost Share Program Successful

The Agriculture Cost Share Program is successful because of the grassroots efforts of your local soil and water conservation district. The Gaston Soil and Water Conservation District works with agricultural landowners and renters to:

• Develop and approve individual conservation plans
• Identify the best management practices (BMPs) best suited for your particular operation
• Design BMPs and help ensure their longevity
• Acquire preliminary approval of a Cost Share contract

The NC Division of Soil and Water Conservation provide administrative and technical assistance to the Gaston Soil and Water Conservation District. The division gives final approval to cost share contracts and processes requests for payments to farmers participating in the program.

3. How does the program work?

Submit an application to the Gaston Soil and Water Conservation District. The applications are ranked based on resource concerns identified in the county. Applicants can be reimbursed up to 75% of a predetermined average cost for each BMP installed. The applicant is responsible for 25% of the costs. This may include the use of existing material and labor.

There are some cost-share and acreage restrictions depending on the BMPs used, the type of operation involved or policy set by the Gaston Soil and Water Conservation District or the NC Soil and Water Conservation Commission. Cost-share incentive payments are also available to encourage the use of certain agronomic management practices.