North Jersey RC&D AgAssist Programs

North Jersey RC&D's AgAssist programs provide cost-share funding to farmers for implementing best management practices that improve water quality and soil health. Check out the various programs below!

AgAssist Cover Crop

The AgAssist Fall Cover Crop program offers a per-acre payment up to 100 acres, between $50 to $110 per acre.

*In targeted watersheds only. See map below.*

northjerseyrcd.org/agassist-cover-crop

AgAssist Cost-Share

Cost‑Share covers between 75–95% of eligible project costs, up to $15,000 per farm. Livestock-based projects are eligible throughout the NJ RCD service area (Hunterdon, Warren, Sussex, Mercer, Morris, Somerset, and Union counties). Non-livestock projects in targeted watersheds only. See map below.

northjerseyrcd.org/agassist-cost-share

AgAssist Conservation Equipment Commitment (CEC)

CEC provides an upfront payment per acre to help larger-scale farmers buy no-till or precision nutrient management equipment.

*In targeted watersheds only. See map below.*

northjerseyrcd.org/agassist-commitment

EQIP-Assist

NJ RCD's EQIP-Assist Program is for livestock farmers who have an active USDA-NRCS EQIP contract. NJ RCD works with NRCS planners to provide farmers with an additional cost-share payment (up to $20,000) on top of their EQIP payment.

Livestock-based projects are eligible throughout the NJ RCD service area (Hunterdon, Warren, Sussex, Mercer, Morris, Somerset, and Union counties).

northjerseyrcd.org/eqip-assist

*NEW* AgAssist Commitment: Small-Scale

This pilot program offers a 90-98% cost-share on approved conservation equipment up to $5,000 + a partial risk payment for small-scale growers in exchange for a 3-year commitment to: 

• Use the purchased conservation equipment on a dedicated number of acreage;

• Cover crop at least a ¼ acre each year of the commitment;

• Use no- or low-till practices.

What Equipment is Eligible?

• No-till drill

• Strip tiller

• Broadfork

• Flail mower

• Roller crimper

• Silage tarp to ‘Crimp & Tarp’

• No-till planter or transplanter 

Other equipment may be eligible if a strong case is made for its direct use in a no-till system.

*This program is currently available in targeted watersheds only. See map below.*

northjerseyrcd.org/agassist-commitment-small

Targeted watershed areas: 

See map below or go to northjerseyrcd.org/our-focus-area for an interactive map.

Pink areas = Target watershed areas

Questions or comments? Reach out to Sam at sloscalzo@northjerseyrcd.org.

Visit the links above and apply today! Applications accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis.