Richmond-The Virginia Poultry Federation has joined with the State Department of Conservation and Recreation to provide $600,000 over the next three years for farmers to transport and use poultry litter from two poultry-producing counties. Officials said farmers are being offered conservation payments of either $5 or $12 per ton to haul away and use the litter as fertilizer on their fields. Typically, farmers would pay between $25-$35 per ton. “This is a public-private partnership that makes sense all around,” said Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources Preston Bryant Jr. “Developing a sustainable market for poultry litter helps stimulate the farm economy and has tremendous water quality benefits as well. This transportation program helps nurture that market.” Agriculture Secretary Robert Bloxom agreed the program is a win-win – farmers save by using the litter as fertilizer, and the state benefits from improved water quality. Farmers can sign up for incentives for up to 500 tons. Once payments are received on that tonnage, the farmer can reapply for up to another 500 tons. Participants must have a nutrient management plan in place.
Transparency Across the Fertilizer Value-Chain