Andy Close
WARREN, Pa. – The Warren County Conservation District is now taking applications for the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP).
ACAP is designed to help with farm planning and conservation practice implementation to address resource concerns on your farm. Staff can provide both technical and financial assistance for conservation practice planning and implementation. Objectives for the farm are always central to the planning process.
What is ACAP?
Enacted as part of the Clean Streams Fund legislation (SB 832/HB 1842), ACAP invests $154 million to establish a statewide program that will be directed locally by county conservation districts. The program will provide financial resources to farmers to install conservation practices that work best for each farm and technical assistance funding to the conservation district to support farmer requests. The result: healthy soils, clean water, and thriving local economies to name a few—for the benefit of all Pennsylvanians.
How ACAP Will Work?
In early 2023 ACAP funding will be distributed to county conservation districts based on areas with the greatest need for improvement. County conservation districts will work with participating farmers and landowners, or with non-governmental organizations and farm consultants, to help design and implement soil and water conservation practices that will work best for each farm’s unique circumstances.
5 Ways ACAP Will Benefit Farmers:
- Custom Solutions: County Conservation Districts, Penn State Extension, and others will help you with a plan tailored to your operation and your objectives.
- More Productive Soil: Adopting conservation practices fosters healthy soil that will help sustain plants and animals, build organic matter, control diseases, and improve soil structure.
- Reduced Costs: No-till cultivation, cover crops, and other practices that improve soil health will strengthen nutrient cycling and natural pest resistance, reducing your need for costly fertilizers and pesticides.
- Cleaner Water: Healthy soils filter water in wet weather, retain moisture during drought, moderate soil temperature, and keep soils and nutrients from running off your land.
- A Lasting Legacy: For many farmers, farming is more than a livelihood. It’s their culture, their heritage, and their legacy. Passing down a productive operation with healthy soils and clean water can be key to the success of future generations.
Contact the Warren County Conservation District at (814)-726-1441 to find out more about ACAP.
