RAP Compliance - Overview

The Required Agricultural Practices (RAPs) outline the practices and restrictions that farms in Vermont must adhere to.

Vermont’s RAPs are the management standards all types of farms must meet to reduce the impact of agricultural activities on water quality. The RAPs include required practices and management strategies for farms in Vermont.  Depending on the size of your the farm, there are different rules and restrictions. 

• For additional information, go to the Vermont Agency of Ag, Food & Markets webpage
• For the statutory text, go here: Required Agricultural Practices Rule For The Agricultural Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Program Farm Size Classification 

If you are looking for help with a project or need recommendations regarding compliance, please give us a call.  OCNRCD is not a regulatory organization and we will not report any potential violations to the state.

Farm Size

The RAP's classify farms by the amount of revenue that the generate, the size of the land that they operate on, and the type of operation. Farms that are Certified cmall farm or larger must undergo an annual certification process, get water quality credits, and have a nutrient management plan.