Farmers have until March 31 to submit projects for on-farm conservation equipment or the installation of best management practices through the Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) program.

REAP allows farmers and businesses to earn state tax credits for implementing best management practices that will enhance production and protect Pennsylvania’s natural resources.

The program, administered by the state Conservation Commission, helps producers purchase conservation equipment and materials to help protect the environment.

“REAP helps producers farm the future without compromising the needs of the present,” said Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary George Greig. “This program has helped producers improve their operations while advancing the health of our watersheds,” Greig added.

Producers with proposed or completed projects should submit applications immediately. The projects will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Farmers can receive tax credits of up to $150,000 per agricultural operation for 50 percent or 75 percent of the total project cost. The most common projects approved are for no-till planting equipment, materials for waste storage facilities, manure management plans and protecting animal heavy use areas like barnyards.

Private investors may provide capital to producers in return for tax credits. Any individual or business subject to taxation under personal income tax, corporate net income tax, bank shares tax or others is eligible to participate in REAP.

Since REAP began in 2007, 3,498 projects worth more than $48.2 million have been approved. More than $103 million in public and private investments were made to implement these projects.

In the past three years, REAP has helped reduce more than 11 million pounds of nitrogen, 859,485 pounds of phosphorous and 877,059 pounds of sediment.

Applications for REAP are available at www.pda.state.pa.us/REAP under “Forms” or by calling the state Conservation Commission at 717-705-4032.

Ron Fodor is manager of the Butler County Conservation District.