Tuesday Is The Deadline For Idaho CAFO Improvement Grant Applications

Idaho livestock producers interested in receiving funding assistance for on-farm manure and nutrient management systems have until the end of Tuesday to get their applications submitted.  The Idaho DEQ, in partnership with the Idaho state Department of Agriculture as well as the farming community, is offering grant opportunities for CAFO improvements.  Funds may be used to protect/improve air, water, or soil quality or reduce greenhouse gas emissions on the CAFO site.

Rick Naerebout, CEO of the Idaho Dairyman's Association anticipates there will be more requests than available funding.

“It’s a $5 million funding pool, and a lot of these projects related to manure systems on dairies are fairly expensive.  So, I think, we’re going to see a need to replenish, and we’re already anticipating we’re going to have to go back to the legislature this coming session to support us again with that CAFO fund and appropriate more funding towards it.”

Projects eligible for CAFO improvement grants are projects are not eligible for funding under the Clean Water Act § 319 Nonpoint Source Grant program or the Idaho Ag BMP fund.  According to the state, a successful CAFO grant must meet the following criteria: 

• A minimum of 40% of the total project costs must come from sources other than the CAFO Improvement Fund. 
• Projects must start within one year of the award and be completed within 3 years. 
• Producer must have an approved and current Environmental/Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) in accordance with state regulations and must be in compliance, as demonstrated by the most recent NMP review. 
• Demonstrate how project/equipment/practice will be maintained over time. 
• Project must be implemented within the CAFO management area. 

Applicants with more than one CAFO may submit separate applications for multiple facilities but awards will be capped at $1 million per owner/partnership.  Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Visit Idaho DEQ's Website for additional details and application information.

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