Vermont’s Required Agricultural Practices are management guidelines and practices with which all farms, regardless of size, must comply in order to ensure the protection of water quality in the state. The RAPs include recommendations about cover cropping and reduced tillage, livestock exclusion from surface waters, vegetated buffer requirements, waste storage standards, and manure spreading setbacks. Farms of a certain size (Certified Small, Medium, and Large Farm Operations) have additional requirements, such as Nutrient Management Planning (NMP), water quality training (see Workshops and Events, RAP quiz), annual certification, and farm inspections. Visit the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Market’s  RAP webpage for more information about how the RAPs apply to your farm size and type. We are also here to assist with navigation of the RAPs and associated technical and financial resources.

Important RAP Requirements and Deadlines:

• Certified Small Farm Operations (CSFOs) must certify by January 31st of each year
• Large Farm Operations (LFOs) must report by February 15th of each year
• Medium Farm Operation (MFOs) must report by April 30th of each year
• Four hours of water quality training are required every five years for MFOs and LFOs (see Workshops and Events, RAP quiz)
• Manure samples are required annually, and soil samples every three years for NMP updates
• Nutrient application records must be kept on hand for at least five years
• Manure may not be spread between December 15th and April 1st, or October 16th and April 14th on frequently flooded soils
• Frequently flooded soils must be cover cropped by October 1st if broadcasted, or October 15th if drilled or incorporated