By Blake Jackson
Pennsylvania farmers play a vital role in our food system, but they also face the challenge of maintaining a healthy environment.
Soil erosion, water quality, and manure management are common concerns that can impact both farm productivity and the surrounding ecosystem. Fortunately, numerous resources are available to help farmers address these challenges.
The first step is to identify your specific resource concerns. This could involve issues like:
- Manure storage limitations
- Soil erosion impacting crop yields
- Potential benefits of cover cropping
- Runoff reduction and soil fertility improvement through no-till farming
- Animal health concerns due to ventilation problems
- Improperly sized animal concentration areas
- Lack of adequate animal access to water
Financial and Technical Assistance
Several programs offer financial and technical assistance to Pennsylvania farmers implementing conservation practices:
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS):
- Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP): Offers financial and technical assistance to tackle issues like soil erosion and water quality. This includes cover crops, no-till farming, nutrient management plans, and livestock waste management systems.
- Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP): Provides flat-rate payments for implementing advanced conservation practices, such as diversified cover crops, pollinator gardens, and improved grazing practices.
Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission (SCC):
- Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP): Offers financial and technical aid to implement best management practices (BMPs) that reduce nutrient and sediment pollution in water bodies. Funding varies by county and prioritizes areas with the greatest need.
Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP):
Provides Pennsylvania income tax credits to offset the cost of implementing BMPs. Earned credits range from 50% to 90% of project expenses, covering planning, materials, and labor for practices like no-till planters and cover cropping.
Pasa Sustainable Agriculture:
Partnering with the USDA, Pasa offers grants for climate-smart agriculture and forestry practices. This includes implementing these practices, monitoring their impact, and developing markets for climate-smart commodities.
By utilizing these resources, Pennsylvania farmers can effectively address resource concerns, improve farm sustainability, and ensure a healthy environment for future generations.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Pennsylvania, General