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Agency of Agriculture requests $3 million for farm best-management grants to advance clean-water goals
Summary
The Agency of Agriculture requested $3,000,000 in FY2026 capital funds for best‑management practice grants that finance on‑farm infrastructure to reduce phosphorus and other pollutants.
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets told a legislative committee on Feb. 19 that it seeks $3,000,000 in FY2026 capital funding for water-quality grants to support on‑farm best management practices (BMPs). Agency officials said the grants are used to design and construct farm infrastructure — manure handling, barnyard protections, riparian buffers and equipment — to reduce phosphorus and other pollutants reaching surface waters.
Laura DiPietro, Director of Water Quality for the Agency of Agriculture, said the Clean Water Fund Board recommended $3,000,000 for FY2026. “These are brick‑and‑mortar type practices,” DiPietro told the committee, explaining state support helps farms meet upgraded regulatory requirements and access other funding. She said the agency previously received $2,750,000 for water-quality grants over two years.
Nina Gage, Assistant Director of the Water Quality Division, summarized program results…
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