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AEEP Application period for 2008 projects is now closed. An application for 2009 is expected to be released in mid-May.
Questions and Answers
Previous Work Funded:
AEEP Selection of Previous Funded Projects
Pesticide Mixing, and Storage Guidelines
Fertilizer Fact Sheet
Manure Fact Sheet
Manure Management Links
Protecting Groundwater
from Pesticides
CAFOs
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Massachusetts Agricultural Environmental Enhancement Program (AEEP)
DAR home > AEEP
Contact: Gerard Kennedy at Gerard.Kennedy@state.ma.us or 617-626-1773
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AEEP: The purpose of AEEP is to support the mitigation and/ or prevention of negative impacts to natural resources that may result from agricultural practices. Farmers selected to participate are reimbursed for the approved costs of materials up to $25,000 used to install best management practices which improve water quality,
conserve water or reduce greenhouse gas emissions. An application form
for 2009 projects is expected to be released in Spring '08. |
The Agricultural Environmental Enhancement Program (AEEP) provides funding
to agricultural operations in Massachusetts for the mitigation and/ or
prevention of impacts on natural resources that may result from agricultural
practices. While primarily a water quality program, AEEP will also fund
practices that promote energy efficiency, conserve water and reduce greenhouse
gas emissions. Farmers selected to participate are reimbursed for the approved
costs of materials up to $25,000. A minimum of a 5% match is required of
applicants. Most awards are in the $10,000 to $15,000 range.
Background:
Since 1999, DAR has funded 211 projects in 24
watersheds statewide. Growers and producers have received over $2 million to
help them address environmental concerns on their farms. Examples of conservation practices funded in previous rounds include the
installation of animal manure waste systems, pesticide storage facilities,
fencing to keep livestock out of wetlands, trickle irrigation systems, flumes, and photovoltaic systems.
Eligibility: Property
must consist of at least 5 contiguous acres of land under the same
ownership and be actively devoted to agricultural or horticultural use;
have at least three acres in bog production, or have at least 5,000
square feet under greenhouse production. Aquaculture operations must possess a current valid shellfish aquaculure
license.
Water quality and water conservation responses must have proof of a written and updated NRCS Conservation Plan. Flower growers and aquaculture operations are excluded from this requirement.
Schedule for FY2009(July 1 2008 to June 30 2009): The application form for FY2009 should be available in April, 2008. The AEEP program reviews application on a rolling basis, subject to the
availability of funding. Program details will be available at online at
www.mass.gov/agr/programs/aeep.
Farmers interested in discussing a potential response should contact: Gerard
Kennedy at 617-626-1773 or gerard.kennedy@state.ma.us |
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