LEARN ABOUT
Current Projects and Programs
LEARN ABOUT
Current Projects and Programs
Supporting Farmers Protecting Water Quality
AgAssist
Program Summary | Eligible Region | What We Fund | FAQ | Timeline | Apply
North Jersey RC&D, with the support of a New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Water Quality Restoration Grant, has created opportunities for farmers in certain watersheds to receive funding for projects and practices that support cleaner water and healthier soils. The AgAssist Program offers a reimbursement (50-90% depending on practice) toward equipment, supplies, and expenses required to implement a variety of soil health best management practices.
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WHO IS NORTH JERSEY RC&D: We are a local non-profit dedicated to fostering agricultural sustainability within Northern New Jersey.
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WHAT IS FUNDED: There are opportunities to receive up to $15,000 for temporary and permanent fence and cover crop seed. Funding Opportunities vary depending on the grant timeline and funding. See below for current more information.
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HOW IT WORKS: North Jersey RC&D will provide a partial reimbursement (levels of reimbursement will be determined by practice), contingent upon participants supplying appropriate receipts.
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WHO IS ELIGIBLE: Farmers within certain watersheds (Neshanic River and Back Brook), regardless of the size or type of their agricultural operation, are eligible for funding.
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HOW TO APPLY: Complete the online application at the bottom of this form. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
Area Eligible for Funding
Areas eligible for funding in 2021 are highlighted in orange on the map below. Seach for your address using the search bar to determine if your farm is within our focus area.
Funding Opportunities
The North Jersey RC&D AgAssist funding program has a wide variety of opportunities, each with its own separate funding conditions. Applicants can only apply for one opportunity at a time but may submit multiple applications.
Permanent Fence for Livestock Exclusion from Waterways
Reimbursement Rate: 90% of total costs
Total Reimbursement Not to Exceed $15,000;
Participants must supply receipts to be eligible for reimbursement
Eligible expenses include:
Farms that do not have permanent fences excluding livestock from waterways (or whose fence is deteriorating) will be eligible for funding to install new fences. Fences shall be installed 35’ or greater from the stream center. Eligible expenses include contactors fees, fence supplies.
Cover Crop Seed Expenses (up to 100 acres)
Reimbursement Rate: Based on the number of acres planted and type of cover crop.
Total Reimbursement Not to Exceed 100 acres
Participants must supply receipts to be eligible for reimbursement
Eligible expenses include:
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Single species cover crops; for producers wishing to plant cereal rye, seed must be planted by October 31st. Consult North Jersey RC&D for other species’ planting dates ($35/acre, up to 100 acres).
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Multi-species cover crop; seeding mix must be planted by September 15th and must include a minimum of three species from at least two plant groups (ie, two small grains and a legume) ($45/acre, up to 100 acres)
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Organic Cover Crop Seed; for producers wishing to plant cereal rye, seed must be planted by October 31st. Consult North Jersey RC&D for other species’ planting dates ($50/acre, up to 100 acres).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a grant?
A grant is money given for a specific purpose. Unlike a loan, the awarded grant money does not need to be repaid. With the AgAssist grant, the grantee will be partially reimbursed for eligible project expenses.
What is the purpose of the AgAssist grants?
The AgAssist grants have been made available with the purpose of creating opportunities for farmers to implement projects or practices that support cleaner water and healthier soils, including no-till, cover cropping, rotational grazing, and nutrient management.
Who is eligible?
What if I am already using conservation practices that receive funding? Can I still receive funding?
Yes, with the commitment that you are intending to scale up the conservation practices already in place.
How are applicants ranked?
Will the AgAssist grants be available again next year?
Not likely. Not likely. These grants are being made possible through Water Quality Restoration grants from NJDEP. Ag-Assist is anticipated to be a one-time opportunity in these watersheds.
What if I’m not selected?
If you are not initially selected for a grant award, you will be placed on a waiting list. If spots open up, North Jersey RC&D will notify applicants from the waiting list.
Who is North Jersey RC&D?
We are a non-profit dedicated to community needs through conservation. North Jersey RC&D focuses on agricultural sustainability, water resource protection, and community development.
How are the grants funded?
The AgAssist grants are being awarded through North Jersey RC&D using New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Water Quality Restoration Grant funding.
What are the steps to receive funding?
Who should I contact with questions?
You can reach out to Sam Loscalzo at sloscalzo@northjerseyrcd.org (preferred) or (908) 574-5368 with questions about the program.
Funding Timeline
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Decisions will be made regarding funding within one month of the application being submitted; applicants notified of their status via email.
Any purchases for the grant must be made and submitted for reimbursement by March 31, 2022. Official receipts must be submitted to North Jersey RC&D by this date. Reimbursements will be made 30 days following submission.
Grantees submit a short (1/2 page) summary discussing the impact of the funding on their operation and any lessons learned. This information may be shared with other farmers. Alternatively, farmers may host a field day or write a short blog post.
Complete a short application online to apply, using the link above.
If you have questions or need help completing the application, please contact Sam Loscalzo at sloscalzo@northjerseyrcd.org or (908) 574-5368
-Thank-you