Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF): Agricultural Best Management Practices
CWSRF assistance may be provided for agricultural best management practices (BMPs) that address runoff and erosion from agricultural cropland and animal feeding operations (AFOs). BMP activities at concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) are not eligible unless they implement a National Estuary Program Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan.
Eligible cropland activities include:
- Manure injection equipment;
- Manure spreaders;
- Water efficient irrigation equipment;
- Conservation tillage equipment;
- Windbreaks;
- Sediment control basins;
- Terraces;
- Diversions;
- Buffer and filter strips;
- Rip-rapping;
- Streambank stabilization; and
- Chemical use reduction (e.g., chemical spray equipment and chemical storage containment structures).
Eligible AFO activities include:
- Livestock/milk house waste management systems;
- Manure containment structures;
- Vessel composters;
- Manure injection equipment;
- Well sealing and water diversions to avoid feedlots; and
- Fencing/alternative water supply for animals to keep them out of water bodies.
Funding Agricultural Best Management Practices with the Clean Water State Revolving Fund
This fact sheet demonstrates how the CWSRF provides assistance to eligible recipients for projects promoting agricultural best management practices. It also gives an overview of the Maryland and Virginia Farm Credit Banks, as well as the Minnesota Ag BMP Loan Program.
Success Story
Innovations in Agriculture in Oregon: Farmers Irrigation District Improves Water Quality, Maximizes Water Conservation, and Generates Clean, Renewable Energy
The Hood River Farmers Irrigation District used $36.2 million in CWSRF loans for a multiple-year endeavor to convert the open canal system to a piped, pressurized irrigation system to maximize water conservation and restore reliable water delivery to crops.
Project Video
Water Conservation in Oregon - Farmers Irrigation District -
The Farmers Irrigation District used CWSRF loans to improve irrigators' water access, reduce labor costs, and save six billion gallons of water a year.