Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding reminded Pennsylvania farmers today to apply by Nov. 18 for tax credits for measures they have taken to improve soil and water quality. Up to $13 million in tax credits are available through Pennsylvania's innovative conservation financing program, Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP).
"Farmers are the original stewards of land and water resources," said Secretary Redding. "REAP tax credits are just one of many ways Pennsylvania invests in our farmers' efforts to grow a sustainable farm economy to feed our future."
The department is accepting applications for REAP tax credits from agricultural producers who implement management practices or purchase equipment aimed at reducing nutrient and sediment runoff, enhancing soil and improving the quality of Pennsylvania's waterways.
This is the fourth year of increased funding and expanded eligibility for the program under the PA Farm Bill. Farmers may receive up to $250,000 in any seven-year period, and spouses filling jointly can use REAP Tax Credits.
Examples of funded projects include no-till planting and precision ag equipment, waste storage facilities, conservation plans, Nutrient Management Plans. Measures that limit run-off from high animal-traffic areas like barnyards, as well as cover crops and riparian buffers that prevent erosion and keep nutrients out of streams are also common REAP-eligible management practices.
Farmers may receive REAP tax credits of 50 to 75% of the project's eligible out-of-pocket costs. Farmers whose operation is in a watershed with an EPA-mandated Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) can receive REAP tax credits of 90 percent of out-of-pocket costs for some projects.
Nearly 350 farms in 54 counties were approved for REAP tax credits in 2021-2022. These applicants used $4.75 million in other state conservation funding, including the Environmental Quality Incentive Program, the Chesapeake Bay Program, and Conservation Excellence Grants to pay for conservation projects on their farms.
Since 2007, Pennsylvania has awarded nearly $134 million in REAP tax credits to more than 10,000 projects. Improvements from these projects have kept more than six million pounds of nitrogen, 275,000 pounds of phosphorus, and 275,000 tons of sediment out of Pennsylvania streams and rivers and the waterways they feed.
Private investors may also provide capital in exchange for REAP tax credits. Private sponsorship of REAP projects since 2007 has brought the total value to $415 million.
More information about REAP, including the 2022-23 application packet, program guidelines and sponsorship process, is available at https://agriculture.pa.gov/.
Categories: Pennsylvania, General