Animal Waste Management Plan Outreach, Development Assistance, and Implementation Grant Program

The Animal Waste Management Plan Outreach, Development Assistance, and Implementation Grant Program is administered by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture. The department is responsible for supporting agricultural industries across the state while also ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. One of the key regulatory frameworks guiding this program is the Animal Waste Management rules adopted in 2009, which require livestock farms meeting certain thresholds to develop and maintain Animal Waste Management Plans. These plans are designed to identify and implement Best Management Practices that mitigate water quality impacts caused by agricultural operations. The primary purpose of this grant program is to advance the continued implementation of the Animal Waste Management rules by addressing gaps in technical assistance and financial support available to farmers. Currently, only department staff provide assistance for plan development, whereas historically external organizations such as extension agents also contributed. This grant seeks to expand capacity by engaging Soil Conservation Districts to provide outreach, technical assistance, and implementation support. A central goal is to reduce nonpoint source pollution by encouraging the adoption of effective and practical Best Management Practices on livestock farms. Funding under this program supports a combination of outreach activities, technical assistance for plan development, and financial assistance for the implementation of approved practices. Eligible activities include conducting outreach campaigns to livestock farms, assisting with the development of Animal Waste Management Plans for qualifying operations, and supporting the implementation of Best Management Practices such as erosion and sediment control, nutrient management, livestock waste management, and grazing management. Financial assistance may be provided as cost share payments for on farm improvements, covering a significant portion of implementation costs up to specified limits per farm. Eligibility for this grant is limited to Soil Conservation Districts established under New Jersey law. These entities are semi autonomous governmental subdivisions with expertise in conservation planning and regulatory compliance. While applicants do not need to be physically located within the target county, all funded activities must benefit farms within the designated geographic area. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient staffing, technical expertise, and organizational capacity to carry out outreach, planning, and implementation activities as outlined in the grant requirements. The application process requires submission of a letter of interest describing the applicant’s qualifications and agreement to program terms, along with a detailed project narrative and budget. Applications must be submitted either electronically in PDF format or via postal mail to the designated program contact. The department may request additional information during the review process to evaluate proposals thoroughly. Applicants must also be prepared to enter into a formal grant agreement if selected. Applications must be received by the stated deadline, and applicants will be notified of funding decisions approximately one month later. The grant supports a performance period of up to twenty four months, with the possibility of extension if approved. During the grant period, recipients are required to provide quarterly progress reports detailing activities and expenditures, as well as a final report summarizing outcomes. Any unspent funds must be returned to the department at the conclusion of the project period.

Demonstrate strong technical capacity and clear plan for outreach and BMP implementation aligned with program goals