Well Installation and Irrigation Systems
Well Installation and Irrigation Systems
This grant supports farmers installing water-efficient irrigation systems and wells on their property
These installations require a contractor to oversee the project
In some states, well installations may require additional inspections and reporting, which can extend the approval process.
Up to $30,000 per farm
1-year contract
This is an Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) program. Farmer cannot receive funds from the Rodale Farm Fund if Farmer is currently receiving funds from another Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) program on the exact acreage enrolled in this project.
Farmer must grow and sell a product on the enrolled field(s) during the contract period
The Advancing Markets for Producers program and the Rodale Institute Farm Fund appreciate farmers who already adopted regenerative practices on their farm. To show our appreciation, this grant opportunity is open to early adopters. You must perform and provide verification information demonstrating the implementation of one of the program’s regenerative practices to access these funds
Existing Wells
Farmers who already have a well may still apply if the existing well cannot meet the conservation need. Examples may include:
- The well does not have adequate yield.
- The well fails required water quality tests.
- The well is located too far from a new rotational grazing or irrigation site.
Specific considerations if applying for a well:
- You can still apply for this grant if you already have a well, provided the existing well cannot meet the conservation need – such as lacking adequate yield, failing water quality tests, or being too far from the new rotational grazing or irrigation site.
- If applying for a well you will need water use records from 2 of the last 5 years
- This NRCS publication explains what documentation you can provide and gives an explanation and example of how to create a self-certification document
Applicants seeking funding for a well must provide water-use records.
Texas applicants are unable to apply for irrigation wells, but can apply for livestock wells.
ELigible NRCS Conservation Practices
Funding may support the following NRCS conservation practices:
- Irrigation Pipeline — 430
- Irrigation System, Surface and Subsurface — 443
- Irrigation System, Micro-irrigation — 441
- Livestock Pipeline — 516
- Pumping Plant — 533
- Watering Facility — 614
- Water Well — 642
These practices require an NRCS Environmental Evaluation Worksheet (CPA-52) to be approved by the NRCS before funds can be released to support implementation.
marketing educational opportunities
Any farmer who has been approved for a Rodale Institute Farm Fund grant can add this opportunity as a line item in their budget.
- Conference: $2,500
- Workshop: $500
- Field Day: $500
