FAQs
Find Answers to Support Your Farmer Funding Application & Program Information.
Find Answers to Support Your Farmer Funding Application & Program Information.
What are the approved soil health practices for Accelerating Appalachia’s farmer funding program?
What is the expected time commitment for farmers?
Farmers accepted into the farmer funding program should look to commit to the program until March 2028. Farmers will be expected to participate in annual soil sampling (at no cost) and reporting. There will be convenings 1-2 times a year, and while attendance is not mandatory, it is strongly encouraged. Additional farmer field days will be offered, which will also be optional.
If I have a partner who helps me on my farm but is not on my contract for the Farmer Funding program, would I still be able to be reimbursed for their travel to any approved farmer field days?
The producer is defined as the enrolled party. Any employees or registered agents of the producer may travel to represent that farm. Lodging and meal expenses cannot exceed $215/day, regardless of the number of attendees representing the producer. Transportation will be reimbursed at the current government rate for mileage.
Is there a matching component to receive these funds?
No match is required by the farmer. However, if farmers are investing a match, that information is welcome for the purposes of the USDA’s research.
If we have expended funds but have not been paid for them, and USDA funding is unexpectedly terminated, would we receive reimbursement?
We will continue to submit reimbursement requests but due to the freeze on funding we don’t have assurance from USDA at this time on whether reimbursement requests will be processed.
The contract requires farmers to have control of the land, have established farm records with the USDA, and be compliant with highly erodible land (HEL) and wetland compliance requirements to receive funds or Accelerating Appalachia may recover funds from the farmer. What is an example of failing to comply with these requirements?
Falsifying or producing misleading information to receive payments would make the farmer retroactively non-compliant and those funds will be required to be reimbursed.
Will Accelerating Appalachia help determine if there are any historical or environmental preservation sites on our farm?
Farmers will complete a CPA-52 to access these act requirements. These determinations are federal codes, so it will be an assessment of objective measures, not a subjective determination.
To what extent will farmers have access to and be able to use the data collected for their purposes?
Any data that Accelerating Appalachia has about the farmer is gathered solely from the farmer, so any data we have, the farmer already has. Soil sampling results can be shared with the farmer upon request.
How many acres are required to participate in the farmer funding program?
Projects should be a minimum of 10 acres.
As a participant, are there any financial documentation requirements like submitting receipts?
We monitor compliance through implementation (like soil samples, photos, and required progress reports). However, you will need to report your receipts as part of your Schedule F or other tax submission forms. It’s also important to hold onto your receipts in case of audits.
Will I receive a 1099 form for tax purposes?
Yes, you will receive a 1099 by mail no later than January 31st.
These answers are contingent upon the release of USDA funds
How does payment work?
Accelerating Appalachia issues incentive payments for the adoption of regenerative practices. Depending on the practices you choose, you will receive either 80% or 50% upfront, with the remaining payments issued upon verification of implementation. Additionally, you will receive a payment of $1000 annually for completion of reporting and soil sampling.
When will I receive funding?
Your first payment is sent to you upon completion of your practice maps and implementation plan and all required paperwork (W-9, voided check, Participation Agreement, and Media Release) has been signed and submitted to the Accelerating Appalachia team.
When do I get paid for annual reporting?
We will send you $1000 for completion of your annual report and sampling. Once we send a request to you to answer questions regarding your implementation project and a soil sampling kit, you will need to fill out the annual report, collect samples according to the sampling protocols, and return these to Accelerating Appalachia (and the soil testing facility). Upon receipt of these materials, Accelerating Appalachia will send $1000 to the bank account we have on file.
I would like to set up a web site for the sale of my farm products. Is that expense allowable for grant reimbursement and how do I submit for funds?
We do not issue reimbursements. The funds you receive in our program are incentive funds to pay for the adoption of regenerative practices. We do not request receipts but proof of practice implementation.
What will the soil sample through this program tell me about my soil?
This analysis will measure total soil carbon, active (available to microbes for food) carbon, and soil aggregate stability. A high active carbon-to-soil carbon ratio indicates a positive trend in soil health. Soil aggregate stability is an indicator of good soil structure; the more stable the aggregates, the better the soil functions.
Why are we asking for soil samples?
Soil carbon is important for many reasons, and it’s related to soil organic matter, soil chemistry, microbe “food”, and soil aggregate formation. For example, soils with greater amounts of “active” carbon will show increased water-holding capacity, nutrient retention, and microbial and fungal populations, which exude “sticky” polymers that help create aggregates that improve soil structure and function.
What this soil sample doesn’t measure:
This soil test does not measure pH, phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and other minerals. You will need to take additional samples for those analyses related to fertiilizer and lime inputs. A typical soil sample for NPK analysis should be taken every 2 to 3 years. Annual soil sampling is needed because active soil carbon changes quickly, while other types may take centuries or millennia to cycle. The sample needs to be taken at the same time of year. If you sample in November, then you will need to take your yearly sample in November until the end of the grant.
How will the transition to AMP from PCSC affect my implementation project?
Overall, this change will not affect producers. However, as we wait for the USDA to update the terms of our contract to meet AMP’s priorities, we cannot issue payments. Also, we are awaiting guidance from USDA concerning environmental evaluations that may be required for most implementation projects.
Is there a delay in annual reporting?
The timeline of your project will be updated to meet the AMP schedule. More information will be forthcoming.
Which practices would require an enviromental evaluation?
All practices will now require an environmental evaluation UNLESS you entered the program and had an approved farm plan before August 28, 2025.
Can I add new practices to my farm plan?
If you have already received your payment schedule, you are under contract for those practices and we are unable to make changes. If you have not received your payment schedule, you may be able to add new practices to your farm plan. The additional practices may trigger additional review and evaluation of your project before payment can be made.