Agricultural Resources Conservation Fund
Agricultural Resources Conservation Fund supports Tennessee landowners and conservation districts with practices, education, equipment, and technical assistance to reduce agricultural water pollution.
Funder: Tennessee Department of Agriculture
Due Dates: 15th of the following month (Contribution Agreement technician reimbursement)
Funding Amounts: BMP payments based on prescribed EQIP rates; cover crops $50/acre; local funding caps may apply
Summary: Supports conservation practices, education, and specialized equipment that reduce agricultural water pollution in Tennessee.
Key Information: BMP funding approval and a fully signed incentive agreement are required before work begins; landowners pay costs before reimbursement.
Description
The Agricultural Resources Conservation Fund (ARCF), administered by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Land and Water Stewardship Section, provides cost-share assistance for Best Management Practices (BMPs) that prevent or reduce agricultural nonpoint source water pollution. Assistance reaches Tennessee landowners primarily through Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs), with participation also possible through Resource Conservation and Development Councils, universities, and other agricultural associations.
The program prioritizes measurable water quality improvements, particularly in watersheds containing streams impaired by agriculture. Supported work includes erosion control, livestock exclusion, riparian buffers, manure management, and other practices that reduce pollutants entering state waters. Funding also supports conservation education, specialized conservation equipment, and district technical assistance. Educational projects must promote water quality improvements through conservation practice installation rather than production agriculture or wildlife activities.
