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AEEP Application for
FY 2009 is now closed. Deadline was June 30, 2008.


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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

The AEEP application period for FY2009 has closed. 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. The program runs on the state Fiscal Year which runs from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009. The application period for FY 2009 is closed on June 30, 2008

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.

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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This page last reviewed and updated August 2008
Photograph by Tim McCabe of NRCS
Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
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