1. What is the DAPA Program?

The DAPA Program is a short-term agricultural cost-share reimbursement program offered by the Colonial Soil & Water Conservation District. The DAPA Program is offered in the James River Watershed within Charles City County, Henrico County, James City County, and New Kent County. The DAPA program is intended to sync up with the growing season and crop rotations for farmers in the region and will be offered Bi-annually in the Summer and Winter, starting January 1, 2019.

 

   2. How can I find out if I am eligible to participate in this cost-share program?

Farmers managing row-crop and small grain operations in the service area are encouraged to contact Tom Dunlap at the Colonial Soil & Water Conservation District at 757-645-4895 to determine ultimate eligibility, but much of the row-crop and small grain farm land in the James River Watershed of the service area is eligible.

 

   3. What agricultural best management practices are supported by the DAPA program?

The DAPA program is a limited offering, with the principal goal of improving James River Water quality through increasing adoption of precision agricultural technology and management practices. At present eligible best management practices for reimbursement include, but are not limited to: variable rate lime, potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen applications to farm land; soil electrical conductivity and/or organic matter mapping, precision seed population planting field prescriptions. DAPA program reimbursement values for these practices are based on half of the cost (50%) of the industry standard for the region.

 

This project is intended to support a variety of precision agricultural techniques and is designed to encourage adoption of multiple best management practices. If we have missed an opportunity to improve water quality while support our local farmers, please let us know!

 

   4. How can I apply to the DAPA program?

Reach out to Tom Dunlap at the Colonial Soil & Water Conservation District at 757-645-4895 to schedule a time to go over program details.

 

The DAPA Program was made possible through the Virginia Environmental Endowment's James River Water Quality Improvement Program.