Farmers and trusted advisors across the Chesapeake Bay Watershed now have access to funding that supports advanced nutrient management planning and implementation through the 4R Voucher & Implementation Program.
Funded through the 2024 National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Grant, this program helps farmers evaluate and implement nutrient management changes that improve efficiency while supporting water quality goals.
How the Program Works
The program begins with a trusted advisor working directly with a farmer to identify an advanced nutrient management opportunity and develop an implementation plan.
Once the work is completed and final reporting requirements are met, the trusted advisor receives a planning voucher payment.
After implementation, farmers may receive cost-share assistance for eligible acres, while advisors may receive additional technical assistance compensation.
Available Funding
Planning Voucher
- $1,000 voucher for eligible participants
- $1,250 voucher for historically underserved farmers
Voucher payments are made directly to the trusted advisor after submission of required reporting documentation.
Implementation Cost-Share
Eligible farmers may receive:
- $35 per acre implementation cost-share payment
Eligible trusted advisors may receive:
- $500 technical assistance payment
Eligible Practices
To qualify for implementation funding, the project must include at least one of the following:
- A change in nitrogen application timing
- A change in nitrogen placement
- A reduction in total nitrogen applied
These changes are designed to support the principles of 4R Nutrient Stewardship by improving nutrient use efficiency and reducing environmental losses.
Eligibility Requirements
Participating farms must:
- Be located within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed
- Comply with applicable nutrient management requirements
- Provide generated reports associated with the project
- Participate in a program interview
- Utilize the program on winter small grains or summer crops
Who Can Serve as a Trusted Advisor?
Trusted advisors may include:
- Agronomists
- Agribusiness representatives
- Certified Crop Advisers (CCAs)
- Independent crop consultants
- Seed or equipment sales representatives
- Extension agents
- Other professionals working with farmers on nutrient management decisions
Get Started
If you are interested in participating as a farmer or trusted advisor, contact MA4R to learn more about program availability, eligibility, and enrollment.
Email: MidAtlantic4R@gmail.com
Phone: 443-262-6969
Funding for this program is provided through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Grant with support from NRCS, EPA, and project partners throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.
