Agriculture Cost Share Program (ACSP)

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.

Examples of Best Management Practices:

• Animal Trail and Walkways
• Critical Area Planting
• Cropland Conversion
• Fencing
• Field Border
• Grassed Waterway
• Heavy Use Area Protection
• Long Term No-Till
• Stream Crossing
• Watering Facility

To learn more about these practices, click here: View a list of Best Management Practices.