Vermont Farm Programs: Lake Champlain, Dairy Waste & Maple EQIP

Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error

Quick Facts

Federal Programs in Vermont

Federal programs like EQIP, CSP, and FSA loans are available nationwide, but how they work in practice varies by state , each state sets its own EQIP priorities, ranking criteria, and application deadlines. Below is how the federal programs apply specifically in Vermont. For full details on any program, read the federal program guides.

EQIP in Vermont

Vermont EQIP Priorities:

• Water quality (Lake Champlain , dominant priority)
• Soil health on cropland
• Grazing management
• Dairy waste management
• Cover crops
• Riparian buffers

Livestock-Specific Practices Commonly Funded:

• Cross-fencing for managed grazing
• Livestock water development
• Prescribed grazing systems
• Waste management (dairy)
• Heavy use area protection
• Riparian buffers
• Cover crops in rotation

EQIP in Vermont , What to Ask About: Vermont NRCS offers EQIP funding across several resource concerns, including water quality and soil health. The National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI) has funded conservation work in Vermont watersheds that feed Lake Champlain, targeting nutrient runoff through cover crops, reduced tillage, and conservation crop rotation. For livestock operations, EQIP can assist with nutrient management, waste storage, prescribed grazing, and fencing. Contact your local NRCS office to find out which NWQI watersheds and other initiatives apply to your area.

Vermont EQIP payment schedules: Available on the Vermont NRCS website.

→ Read the full EQIP guide

CSP in Vermont

CSP rewards producers for conservation practices already in place and pays for new enhancements. Well-managed operations with rotational grazing, maintained fencing, and conservation practices are strong candidates.

→ Read the full CSP guide

FSA Programs in Vermont

Current Disaster Designations: Check farmers.gov/protection-recovery for current drought and disaster designations in Vermont.

Key FSA Programs:

• Direct and Guaranteed Farm Ownership and Operating Loans
• Microloans (up to $50,000 , simplified application)
• Emergency Farm Loans (for designated disaster areas)
• Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) : Flooding (major , Vermont is flood-prone), winter storm, and drought losses
• ELAP , covers drought-related grazing losses and emergency costs
• Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) : triggered by drought monitor conditions

Vermont FSA State Office: (802) 658-2803

AMA: A Small EQIP-Like Program Worth Asking About in Vermont

Vermont is one of 16 states eligible for Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA), an NRCS program that runs alongside EQIP. It provides cost-share for water management, soil erosion control, and on-farm diversification — similar practices at similar rates, in a separate (smaller) funding pool. National AMA budget is around $15 million per year, modest compared to EQIP. If you’re considering EQIP in Vermont, ask your NRCS office whether AMA is a fit for your project.

Vermont-Specific Programs

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

Vermont Agricultural Water Quality Program: Required Agricultural Practices (RAPs) set baseline standards. Best Management Practice (BMP) grants provide cost-share beyond the baseline.

Website: agriculture.vermont.gov

Vermont Grass Farmers Association

Promotes managed grazing in Vermont , strong community of practice.

Vermont Tax Provisions for Ag

• Current Use (Use Value Appraisal): Agricultural and forest land is assessed at use value. Vermont's program is well-established and widely used.
• State Income Tax: Progressive rates, top rate 8.75%. Farm income is subject to state tax.
• Sales Tax Exemptions: Farm equipment and agricultural inputs are exempt from Vermont sales tax.

RCPP in Vermont

The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) funds conservation projects through partnerships between NRCS and local organizations. RCPP projects vary by state and year — check with your local NRCS office or visit the RCPP page for current projects in your area.

ACEP in Vermont

The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) helps landowners protect farmland and wetlands through conservation easements. Two components: Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) protect working farmland, and Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) restore and protect wetlands. Contact your local NRCS office for current enrollment.

Resources

USDA Offices

• Find your local USDA Service Center: farmers.gov/working-with-us/service-center-locator

State Resources

• UVM Extension: uvm.edu/extension
• Vermont Farm Bureau: vtfb.org

Key Deadlines (FY2026)

Dates are approximate and subject to change. Always confirm with your local NRCS/FSA office.

Your Next Steps in Vermont

1. Run our eligibility screener to see your personalized program list: Take the eligibility screener
2. Find your local USDA Service Center: farmers.gov/working-with-us/service-center-locator
3. Read the federal program guides for programs you're interested in: EQIP · CSP · Beginning Farmer · Disaster Assistance
4. Lake Champlain water quality drives significant EQIP funding in Vermont
5. Vermont's Current Use program is essential for property tax management , make sure all eligible land is enrolled

Tools for Vermont Ranchers

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