REAP Tax Credits Available to PA Farmers for Conservation and Nutrient Plans to Improve Soil, Water Quality

With more and more farmers interested in protecting and improving local water quality, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding today reminded producers of a tax credit program that can help them develop plans and install measures that reduce nutrient and sediment runoff. Farmers can use Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) program tax credits to help offset the cost of writing conservation plans and nutrient management plans, purchasing conservation equipment, and implementing best management practices (BMPs) for their operations. “Pennsylvania’s clean streams law dates back to 1972,” Redding said. “Improving the ecology of our farm operations makes sense, and the REAP program can help make those improvements a reality. Healthy farms and healthy waterways are a concern for all of Pennsylvania, not just the Chesapeake Bay watershed, so I encourage all producers, regardless of where you farm, to take advantage of this opportunity.”