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The Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP)

The Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP) was created through the Clean Streams Fund established by the FY2022-2023 Pennsylvania State Budge. ACAP provides financial and technical assistance for the implementation of best management practices (BMPs) on agricultural operations within the Commonwealth.

ACAP is administered by the State Conservation Commission and delegated to participating conservation districts for local implementation of the program.

ACAP was dedicated $154 million from the Clean Streams Fund to reduce non-point source (NPS) pollution in Commonwealth streams, rivers and waterbodies. SCC is required to allocate ACAP funding to participating county conservation districts based on written apportionment criteria developed by the SCC that is focused on preventing nutrient and sediment pollution.  The SCC’s apportionment criteria must consider: 

  • Agriculturally Impaired Stream Miles
  • Number of Cropland Acres
  • Number of Farms
  • Number of Livestock and Poultry
  • Other criteria established by SCC

Cover Crop Program

  • Applicants are required to and are responsible for providing a Conservation plan / Agricultural Erosion and Sedimentation plan along with a Manure Management plan/ Nutrient Management Plan for all farmland operated, both rented and owned. This includes fields where cover crops are not being planted.
  • Multi-species cover crops program $65/acre.
  • Applications must be submitted by May 30th.
  • Multi-species (at least 3 different species AND 1 need to over winter) must be planted by November 15.
  • Acreage cannot be dual enrolled with other cover crop funding sources.

Ag BMP Program

Priority Practices for Funding:

  • Heavy Use Area (HUA)
  • Manure Storage
  • Riparian Forest Buffers
  • Pollinators
  • Cover Crop

Associated practices to one of the above can also be considered for funding when applying for main practice. (Associated practices, animal trails and walkways, access road, exclusion fencing, stream crossings etc.)

Did You Know?

Cover Crop Acres Annual Average: 7,000 Acres
Ag BMP Totals Awarded as of 2025: $2,217,249.81

Requirements to Apply

  • Read, understood, and signed program form.
  • Must have farm visit with district staff before application is submitted.
  • An inventory and evaluation sheet is to be completed by district staff.
  • A copy of schedule F is to be attached to the application.
  • Current and verifiable Nutrient management plan/manure management plan/ NRCS 590
  • Current and verifiable Ag E&S/ Conservation Plan.
  • Pictures of project before construction.
  • Project description (sizing, location, etc.)
  • Plan maps (including aerial imagery and soils)
  • Plan Verification form
  • Project Cost estimate break down (cost of equipment, materials, maintenance, etc.)

Questions?

For more information or questions, or to submit an application, contact Dakota Thompson at dthompson@nccdpa.org or call 570-495-4665 ext 308.

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