§ 4822 -   Eligibility for state assistance

§ 4822. Eligibility for state assistance

Vermont farmers shall be eligible to receive available state financial assistance with the installation of on-farm improvements designed to control agricultural nonpoint source waste discharges, provided that:

(1) for farmers who also seek federal financial assistance for this purpose, the improvements:

(A) are eligible for federal assistance through programs of the U.S. Department of Agriculture; and

(B) are consistent with a "nutrient management plan" prepared by the Vermont field office of the NRCS, or with an animal waste management plan based on standards equivalent to those of the NRCS; or

(2) for farmers who decline to seek or accept federal financial assistance for this purpose, the improvements:

(A) are determined by the secretary to be equivalent to those eligible for federal assistance through programs of the U.S. Department of Agriculture; and

(B) are consistent with an animal waste management plan based on standards determined by the secretary to be equivalent to those of the NRCS. (Added 1995, No. 62, § 37, eff. April 26, 1995; amended 2003, No. 42, § 2, eff. May 27, 2003.)