North Carolina Agricultural Cost Share Program (ACSP)

The ACSP is a vital initiative aimed at addressing nonpoint source pollution, a leading cause of water quality problems in North Carolina and across the United States. Nonpoint source pollution results from soil erosion, excessive fertilizer use, animal waste contamination, and improper agricultural chemical use. The ACSP provides technical and financial resources through a voluntary, incentive-based approach that encourages the implementation of best management practices (BMPs) on agricultural lands engaged in agricultural production.

Who is Eligible?

Landowners and renters of existing agricultural operations that have been in operation for more than three years are eligible to participate in the North Carolina Agriculture Cost Share Program.

How Does the Program Work?

• Applications are collected and potential projects are ranked based on resource concerns identified in the county.
• The Haywood SWCD collaborates with agricultural landowners and renters to develop and approve individual conservation plans.
• BMPs best suited for the specific operation are identified and designed to ensure their long-term effectiveness.

Interested parties should submit an application to the Haywood Soil and Water Conservation District. Selected applicants can be reimbursed up to 75 percent of a predetermined average cost for each BMP installed, with the remaining 25 percent covered by the applicant.

Agricultural Water Resources Assistance Program (AgWRAP)

The AgWRAP program, administered by the NC Soil and Water Conservation Commission through local soil and water conservation districts, is designed to increase water use efficiency, availability, storage, and conserve water resources on agricultural lands.

Who is Eligible?

Landowners and renters of existing agricultural operations that have been operating for more than one year are eligible to participate. Participants must earn less than $250,000 or have 75% or more of their income supported through agricultural operations.

What is the Purpose of the Program?

AgWRAP aims to:

• Identify opportunities to increase water use efficiency, availability, and storage for agricultural purposes.
• Implement best management practices (BMPs) to conserve and protect water resources.

By actively enhancing water use efficiency, storage, and availability, as well as conserving and protecting water resources, participants contribute directly to the long-term resilience and sustainability of agriculture in North Carolina.

How Does AgWRAP Work?

The Soil and Water Conservation Commission allocates available AgWRAP funding into district allocations and a Regional Application Process. This approach allows districts to implement locally led conservation projects through BMPs and fund larger, more complex projects. Applications are collected and potential projects are ranked based on resource concerns identified in the county or region. Selected applicants can be reimbursed up to 75 percent of a predetermined average cost or actual cost up to a cost cap for each BMP installed, with the remaining 25 percent covered by the applicant.