Capital Equipment Assistance Program (CEAP)
Forecasted
Capital Equipment Assistance Program (CEAP) supports Vermont farms and agricultural service providers with innovative equipment to improve water quality, reduce runoff, and manage manure efficiently.
Funder: Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food and Markets
Due Dates (Anticipated): July 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to 90% of approved equipment purchase and setup costs, with category caps of $25,000–$150,000; five-year grant agreements
Summary: CEAP funds innovative agricultural equipment that improves Vermont water quality, reduces runoff, and supports efficient manure management.
Key Information: Each farm operation, organization, or business entity may submit only one application per funding opportunity.
Description
The Capital Equipment Assistance Program (CEAP), administered by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food and Markets, provides state grants for purchasing and setting up new or used innovative agricultural equipment. The program aims to reduce agricultural waste runoff into state waters, improve water quality, reduce manure-application odors, separate phosphorus from manure, mitigate greenhouse gases, and lower farmers’ manure-application costs.
CEAP supports precision agriculture, conservation tillage, cover cropping, liquid waste management, bedded pack management, and feed management. Investments support better nutrient management planning, less intensive tillage, improved cover crop implementation, and liquid waste application consistent with nutrient management plans. Feed management equipment addresses silage leachate concerns by enabling feed bunk decommissioning.
