​​Cost Share and Financial Assistance for Agriculture

The Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District along with our partners, the NCDA&CS Division of Soil and Water Conservation, the North Carolina Soil and Water Conservation Commission and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service offer a variety of cost share and financial assistance programs.  Programs provide both financial and technical assistance are intended to offset the cost of implementing best management practices on farms and other agricultural operations, to protect and improve natural resources.  Participation in all programs is on a voluntary basis; program benefits and eligibility requirements vary. 

State Programs

Community Conservation Cost Share Program (CCAP)

The program is a voluntary, incentive-based program designed to  improve water quality through the installation of various best management practices (BMPs) on urban, suburban and rural lands not directly involved with agriculture production.  The program reimburses up to 75% of the pre-established average cost of the BMP.

NC Agriculture Cost Share Program (ACSP)

The program provides resources to improve water quality by reducing the delivery of nutrients, sediment and pesticides.  The program reimburses up to 75% of the cost of practice implementation.  Practices must be maintained for a period of ten years.

NC Ag Water Resources Assistance Program (AgWRAP)

The program provides assistance with the development of water resources for agricultural operations.  Currently, funds are available to assist with the cost of construction of new ponds.  Cooperators must provide documentation of water need and agree to maintain the practice for a period of ten years. 

*Recreational ponds are not eligible.

To apply for state programs:
Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed monthly.  Please contact Allison Channell by telephone 980-314-3202 or email [email protected].

Federal Programs

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

Provides financial and technical help for structural and management practices for eligible agricultural land.  Eligibility is subject to qualification by USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA).

Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP)

Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program is a voluntary program to develop and improve wildlife habitat on private land.  Eligibility is subject to qualification by USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA).

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)

CRP is a land conservation program administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA). In exchange for a yearly rental payment, farmers enrolled in the program agree to remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and plant species that will improve environmental health and quality. 

To apply for federal programs: Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed during sign-up periods. Please contact Shauntae Britt by telephone 704-233-1621 extension 3 / 704-694-3516 extension 3 or email [email protected].

To expedite the application process, please contact the Cabarrus-Mecklenburg Farm Service Agency to determine eligibility. 

Joint Programs

Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP)

A collaborative effort between the local District, the NCDA&CS Division of Soil and Water Conservation and Division of Forest Resources, and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and Farm Service Agency.  CREP provides long-term protection of environmentally sensitive cropland and marginal pasture land through conversion to conservation practices (e.g. Stream Buffers). 

To apply for CREP:
CREP is currently only available east of the Yadkin River Basin (includes eastern Mecklenburg County).  In order to be considered for CREP funding, you will need to verify eligibility with the Cabarrus-Mecklenburg Farm Service Agency.  Please contact Allison Channell at 980-314-3202.