REAP Farm Conservation Tax Credit Benefits Environment, Farmers

The Department of Agriculture this week released an annual report on the Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) farm conservation tax credit program which said in the first two years, the program reduced nitrogen pollution by 162,176 pounds, phosphorus runoff by 14,939 pounds and sediment by 18,210 tons.
“Every Pennsylvanian is charged with adopting conservation practices to protect our soils and our water supply…The state’s 63,000 farm families have a special responsibility to be good stewards of the land, keeping their agricultural operations and the industry viable for the next generation," Gov. Rendell. "The REAP program’s success proves our farmers’ commitment to fulfilling these important ideals.”
Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff said, “Pennsylvania is committed to helping farmers maintain viable businesses, and toimproving conservation practices that protect water quality . . . Farmers need support in this time of rising production and energy costs, and programs like REAP provide a win-win situation for everyone.”
“The tremendous response to REAP demonstrates that farmers continue to make strides in protecting water quality on their farms, but need help to go even farther," said Matthew Ehrhart, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania office of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. "REAP is a practical solution that is helping farmers achieve the highest levels of stewardship while making those improvements economically feasible.”
“The Department of Revenue knows how important agriculture is to the commonwealth’s economy, which is why we are pleased to play a part in implementing the Resource Enhancement and Protection Tax Credit program," said Secretary of Revenue Stephen H. Stetler. "We will continue to work diligently with the State Conservation Commission to process credit applications in a manner that ensures farmers and businesses benefit from this worthwhile program.” (Click here for report)