Cost Share Programs

Agriculture Cost Share Program

In 1983, an agricultural cost share program was authorized in 16 Districts as a pilot to address nonpoint source problems in the nutrient sensitive waters of Jordan Lake, Falls Lake, and the Chowan River. Even though considered innovative, the pilot was built upon years of successful District/USDA agricultural conservation programs that were begun in the 1930s.

Following the success of the pilot, the approach was authorized state wide with passage of General Statute 143-215.74. This enabled financial incentives to be provided through North Carolina's Agriculture Cost Share Program. This program is administered by the Division of Soil and Water Conservation in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. It has been applauded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and has received wide support from the general public as well as the state's agricultural community. Due to the program's success, it has been extended to all 96 Soil and Water Conservation Districts covering the entire state. The program provides local Districts with matching funds (50:50) to hire personnel to plan and install the needed best management practices (BMPs). The Commission allocates cost share funds to local Districts based on the level of state appropriations and water quality protection priorities.

In New Hanover County, the Agriculture Cost Share Program can assist farmers, including horse farms, and timber owners with installing BMPs including erosion control and waste management. Participating agricultural landowners receive 75% of the predetermined average costs of installed BMPs with the remaining 25% paid by farmers directly or through in-kind contributions. There is a yearly cap of $75,000. Some applicants who qualify under the beginning or limited resource farmer statute may receive 90% of predetermined average costs, up to $90,000 per year.

Click here to learn more about the NC Agriculture Cost Share Program.