Farmers purchasing no-till planting equipment may qualify for a 50% state tax credit under the Resource Enhancement and Protection program offered by Pennsylvania's State Conservation Commission. "With increased production costs, our farmers must find ways to save money. REAP is just one of the tools they can use to keep their businesses viable," says Ag Secretary Dennis Wolff.

An educational meeting to explain the requirements and application process is slated from 10 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, Dec. 18. It'll be held in the V.I.P. Room at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg.

REAP is designed to encourage farmers to use conservation best management practices that reduce erosion and sedimentation impacting Pennsylvania's streams and watersheds. Eligible producers who purchase no-till planting equipment may qualify for the tax credit on up to $150,000 per agricultural operation.

The program also offers tax credits ranging from 50% to 75% for other eligible costs such as best management practices including manure storage and treatment systems, intensive grazing systems, and BMPs for barnyard runoff, streambank fencing and riparian buffers.

Up to $10 million in credits may be issued in 2007-2008, first-come, first-served.

Interested?

REAP applications will be available Dec. 3. Completed applications will be accepted beginning Jan. 2.

Be sure you're eligible. If required for your operation, conservation plans and nutrient management plans must be current.
Learn more at the Dec. 18 meeting. Reservations are requested; call: 717-787-8821. Parking is available in the Ag Department visitor lot on Cameron Street.

For more on REAP, contact Mary Bender at 717-705-4032 or via e-mail at [email protected]. Or visit www.agriculture.state.pa.us, and click on "REAP" under "What's New."