By Jamie Martin
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) has opened $8 million in new Agricultural Clean Water Initiative Program (AGCWIP) grants to support local and regional partners advancing farm-based water conservation.
Through AGCWIP, organizations receive funding to help farmers reduce nutrient runoff, improve manure management, and implement conservation systems that protect local waterways. Since 2017, the program has enhanced Vermont’s agricultural sustainability by providing technical assistance and educational support to over 30 organizations.
“These are important long-term investments to improve water quality that support those who are working the land and providing us food.” said Anson Tebbetts, Vermont’s Secretary of Agriculture. “Our farmers have contributed greatly to reductions in phosphorus pollution over the last 10 years, and these grants are a contributor to that success.”
Over the past five years, AGCWIP assistance has primarily benefited small farms, which received more than 80% of on-site technical support. These efforts help producers improve grazing systems, fencing, and nutrient management to meet Vermont’s Required Agricultural Practices (RAPs).
Funded through the state’s Clean Water Fund, AGCWIP stems from the 2015 Vermont Clean Water Act. To mark a decade of progress, VAAFM and the University of Vermont Rubenstein School developed a story map highlighting key milestones in farm water protection.
Public feedback is invited for the draft State Fiscal Year 2027 Clean Water Budget. Comments can be shared during the November 7, 2025, hearing or emailed to ANR.CleanWaterVT@vermont.gov.
Photo Credit: pexels-adam-sondel
Categories: National