Agriculture Cost Share Program

How it works

North Carolina’s Agriculture Cost Share Program is a voluntary incentive program for the agricultural community. The state Division of Soil and Water Conservation administers the program, while local Soil and Water Conservation Districts deliver it on the ground. Onslow County’s page explains that district boards receive allocations, review applications from landowners, and decide which BMP projects will be funded.

What the money covers

The program provides financial incentives for installed best management practices (BMPs) used to address nonpoint source pollution and protect water quality. The page does not list specific residential home-hardening or household retrofit measures. Instead, it discusses agricultural conservation practices such as practices intended to improve water quality, reduce sediment and nutrient delivery, and address animal waste and other agricultural pollution sources.

Amounts and matching

Participating farmers receive 75% of predetermined average costs of installed BMPs. The remaining 25% is paid by the farmer directly or through in-kind contributions. The page states a yearly cap of $75,000 per year. 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. The page also notes that the program provides local districts with matching funds at a 50:50 ratio to hire personnel to plan and install needed BMPs.

How to apply

After local districts receive their allocation, district boards review applications from landowners and determine which projects will be funded for BMP installation. The page does not provide a separate application portal or form link.

Timing and deadlines

The page does not give open or close dates, application windows, or a deadline. It says funding decisions depend on district written strategy plans and state appropriations.

Oversight and maintenance

Completed BMPs are subject to random checks by Division staff and District personnel. Additional checks are required when the BMP relates to animal waste management. Farmers who fail to maintain BMPs in proper working order may have to repay some or all of the original cost-share funds.