Program Manager: Katie Ottmann, [email protected], (385) 224-9447
The goal of the Agriculture Voluntary Incentive Program (AgVIP) is to implement practices that can increase crop yields, improve soil health, and add value to operations while improving water quality.
AgVIP will open an application period starting April 14, 2025!
The Agricultural Voluntary Incentive Program (AgVIP) is a voluntary, incentive-based program to help producers implement nutrient management and other supporting best practices, no matter where they are on their conservation journey.
The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF), in cooperation with the Division of Water Quality (DWQ), started AgVIP to help farming operations develop a conservation plan for their property and begin to implement practices that will improve crop yields, build soil health, and protect water quality.
Participants in the Voluntary Agricultural Incentive Program will be able to work with conservation planners from UDAF to discuss their agricultural operation, complete an annual conservation assessment, explore new practices suited to their operation, and receive a comprehensive, customized conservation plan.
As an incentive to participate in this program, UDAF has developed a 5-level payment structure based on acreage and level of conservation being implemented on a particular management area. After signing a conservation plan, producers will be eligible for a one-time $1,000 payment, after which annual incentives and one-time bonus payments will be awarded based on the designated payment structure. Producers implementing a comprehensive nutrient management plan as part of their conservation plan may be eligible for additional regulatory protections offered by the Utah Division of Water Quality.
AgVIP is a voluntary, incentive-based program. A producer’s inability to correctly follow their conservation plan will not result in regulatory actions. However, if they do not follow the conservation plan, they will not be eligible to receive the incentive payment for that year. All records will be stored securely at UDAF offices.
The Agricultural Voluntary Incentive Program will be accepting applications from April 14, 2025 to May 30, 2025 at 5:00 PM. Please check back for updates or contact Katie Ottmann ([email protected]) for more information on how to apply.
