Agriculture Cost Share
Nonpoint source pollution has been identified by the N.C. Division of Water Quality
as the primary source of degradation of freshwater rivers and streams in North Carolina.
The approach taken in North Carolina for addressing agriculture's contribution to
the nonpoint source water pollution problem, is to primarily encourage voluntary
participation by the agricultural community.
Financial incentives are provided through North Carolina's Agriculture Cost Share
Program. 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. Participating farmers receive 75% of predetermined average costs of installed
best management practices (BMPs) with the remaining 25% paid by farmers directly
or through in-kind contributions. View a list of Best Management
Practices. Some applicants may be eligible to receive as much as $75,000
per year.