Overview
Virginia’s Agricultural Best Management Practices (Ag BMP) Loan Program provides a source of low cost financing to Virginia’s agricultural producers and Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) to reduce agricultural non-point source pollution.
The Ag BMP Loan Program was administered from 2000 to 2016. During this time, the Program provided $46 million in 491 loans for 615 Ag BMP projects throughout Virginia. On July 1, 2019 the program resumed with additional incentives provided to applicants.
Program Incentives
- All loans at 0% interest
- Potential for principal forgiveness
- Potential for cost share assistance
- No long-term loan requirement
Eligible Applicants
Any Virginia Producer wishing to implement eligible best management practices to reduce the amount of polluted agricultural runoff entering Virginia waters will be considered by DEQ for Ag BMP Loan Program assistance. SWCDs are also eligible to apply.
Eligible Practices
Surface Water and Groundwater Protection Practices
- Stream Fencing and Alternative Watering Systems
- Tree Plantings Along Streams
- Stormwater Impoundment and Sediment Retention
- Streambank Stabilization and Stream Crossings
- Water Table Control Structure
- Constructed Wetlands
- Sink Hole Protection
- No Till Drill Equipment
Livestock and Structural Practices
- Roof Runoff Management Systems
- Animal Waste Structures and Pumping Systems
- Manure and Animal Composting Systems
- Animal Mortality Incinerators
- Relocation of Confined Feeding Operations
- Grazing Systems, Animal Travel Lanes, and Loafing Lots
Program Administration
Virginia’s Ag BMP Loan Program is one of several Virginia Clean Water Revolving Loan Fund (CWRLF) components eligible to utilize the fund. The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) administers the program and policy aspects of the fund on behalf of the State Water Control Board (SWCB).
Virginia Resources Authority serves as the financial manager of the CWRLF. It includes the following responsibilities: underwriting and structuring loans, loan closings, making disbursements to loan recipients, collecting loan repayments, investing uncommitted CWRLF monies, and issuing bonds.
Additional information about the Agriculture BMP program can be found on the Virginia Department of Environment Quality website.
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