The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, State Conservation Commission is once again accepting REAP, Rural Enhancement and Protection program applications beginning Monday.

This state tax credit program has been popular for many years and is a great resource for those looking to install conservation-related best management practices and to help offset the purchase of no-till equipment.

There are a few changes and improvements to this year’s funding. The funding has been reduced from $13 million to $10 million.

I will note, however, in the last few years we’ve had several applicants submit projects late into the spring and were still considered for funding. But this is a first-come, first-serve program so it’s best to submit an application as soon as possible since the program provides credits for both planned and completed projects.

Soil health tests

Soil health tests are a valuable resource in establishing a baseline for crop fields when beginning your soil health journey and an excellent way to determine key areas of improvement for those who have been cover cropping for several years.

These tests are now covered at a 75 percent rate. Typically, these tests can range from $75 to $100 per test. With their eligibility, this puts them back in line with comprehensive soil tests.

Vertical tillage has been removed from the list of eligible equipment and cover crop credits have been reduced to $50/acre on single species and $80/acre on multispecies.

More information about the program and applications can be found here: https://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Plants_Land_Water/StateConservationCommission/REAP/Pages/default.aspx

Both the conservation district and/or NRCS will need to sign off on the application, so please don’t hesitate to contact our office for help in completing an application.

Andy Gaver is a conservationist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Butler County.