A statewide program is offering $13 million in tax credits to help Pennsylvania farmers install conservation practices that can improve long-term viability, keep soil on the land, and reduce pollution flowing into local rivers and streams. Tax credits through the Resource Enhancement and Protection Program (REAP) program offset 50% to 75% of the costs of no-till planting and precision agriculture equipment, cover crops, forested streamside buffers, barnyard improvements, waste storage facilities, conservation plans, nutrient management plans, and other practices.

Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) started and led a diverse coalition that advocated for the creation of REAP in 2007. It was amended in 2019 as part of the Pennsylvania Farm Bill, and REAP has received funding increases in the years since. According to the State Conservation Commission, REAP tax credits have been used on over 3,000 farming operations across the commonwealth since 2007.

To learn more about the Pennsylvania Farm Bill and to apply for the first-come, first-served REAP program, visit http://www.agriculture.pa.gov; information about REAP is available by clicking on State Conservation Commission under Plants, Land & Water.