North Carolina Agriculture Cost Share Program (NCACSP)

The North Carolina Agriculture Cost Share Program (NCACSP) was established in 1984 to help reduce the sources of agricultural nonpoint source pollution to North Carolina's waters.  The NCASCP helps owners and renters of established agricultural operations improve their on-farm management by using Best Management Practices (BMPs).  The NCASCP is a financial assistance program geared to protect water quality.  It is administered by the NC Division of Soil and Water Conservation under the NC Department of Agriculture.

The objectives of the NCASCP are to reduce the delivery of agricultural non-point source pollution into the water courses of the state and include:

• Properly managing nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) to make them less available to runoff;
• Reducing sediment delivery into streams, rivers, lakes, and estuaries;
• Managing farm pesticides in an environmentally sound manner; and
• Reducing freshwater loading in Primary Nursery Areas (fishery breeding grounds).

Technical assistance is available free to landowners in local Soil and Water Conservation Districts throughout North Carolina.  Technicians help landowners install best management practices that will improve water quality.

Financial assistance is offered to farmers to share the cost of the installation of the BMPs, up to 75% of the average cost for each BMP installed.  The results can make farmers more productive while reducing the potential for polluting surface and groundwater.  For more information, contact the North Carolina Division of Soil and Water Conservation at 919-733-2302 or call Johnston Soil and Water Conservation District for local assistance 919-934-7156 ext. 3.