TAYLORSVILLE — The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) is now seeking applicants for the Agriculture Voluntary Incentive Program (Ag VIP) for 2025. The Ag VIP is a voluntary, incentive-based program set up to help producers implement nutrient management and other agricultural best practices on their farm or ranch.
“Ag VIP is an amazing program that encourages farmers and ranchers to implement practices that can increase crop yields, improve soil health, and add value to agriculture operations, while improving water quality,” said Kelly Pehrson, UDAF Interim Commissioner. “We are proud to continue to offer this effective opportunity for Utah’s farmers and ranchers.”
Ag VIP is open to all irrigated crop or pasture operations of any size. Implementing conservation plans is entirely self-directed. As this is an incentive-based program, the effort invested by the farm or ranch directly reflects the benefits they receive.
UDAF sought feedback from previous recipients and based on their feedback, this year’s program was updated, including a new tiered incentive structure. The changes will allow the program to serve producers with a wider range of practices in addition to nutrient management, such as soil health, irrigation water management, and integrated pest management.
Program participants will have the opportunity to:
- Discuss their agricultural operation with a UDAF conservation planner & fill out a yearly conservation evaluation assessment
- Work with their assigned planner to explore new practices and develop a comprehensive conservation plan
- Receive implementation guidance, annual incentive payments, a one-time improvement bonus, and additional technical & financial resources
Applications will be accepted through May 30, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. To access the application and to learn more, visit ag.utah.gov/agvip or contact Program Manager, Katie Ottmann, at katieottmann@utah.gov.