NORTH CAROLINA AGRICULTURE COST SHARE PROGRAM

Nonpoint source pollution has been identified by the NC Division of Water Quality as the primary source of degradation of freshwater rivers and streams in North Carolina.

Most widespread sources are agriculture, urban runoff, and construction. Sediment is the most widespread cause of water quality degradation.

Financial incentives are provided through North Carolina's Agriculture Cost Share Program. This program is administered by the Division of Soil and Water Conservation (Division) in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. It has been applauded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and has received wide support from the general public as well as the state's agricultural community.

The Cost Share program was authorized in 1983 as a pilot program to address nonpoint source problems in the nutrient sensitive waters of Jordan Lake, Falls Lake, and the Chowan River covering 16 counties. Due to the program's success, it has been extended to all 96 Soil and Water Conservation Districts (Districts) that includes all 100 counties.

The State provides financial incentives to persons who install approved water quality improvement projects on agricultural lands. The District has two full-time staff working with this program.

For more information, visit: http://www.enr.state.nc.us/DSWC/pages/agcostshareprogram.html