6 V.S.A. § 4822: Eligibility for State assistance

Vermont farmers shall be eligible to receive available State financial assistance with the installation of on-farm improvements designed to control agricultural nonpoint source waste discharges, provided that:

(1) for farmers who also seek federal financial assistance for this purpose, the improvements:

(A) are eligible for federal assistance through programs of the U.S. Department of Agriculture; and

(B) are consistent with a “nutrient management plan” prepared by the Vermont field office of the NRCS, or with an animal waste management plan based on standards equivalent to those of the NRCS; or

(2) for farmers who decline to seek or accept federal financial assistance for this purpose, the improvements:

(A) are determined by the Secretary to be equivalent to those eligible for federal assistance through programs of the U.S. Department of Agriculture; and

(B) are consistent with an animal waste management plan based on standards determined by the Secretary to be equivalent to those of the NRCS; and

(3) improvements will be constructed on a farm that is in good standing with the Secretary at the time of the award on all grant agreements, contract awards, or enforcement proceedings.