The inaugural ACAP report highlights Pennsylvania’s statewide commitment to agricultural conservation.
Stream running through a farm.
"The biggest hurdle in conservation is just getting your foot in the door. ACAP lets farmers start small and build from there.“ Chris Faux, Wyoming County Conservation District
The Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP) supports Pennsylvania farmers and agricultural landowners with financial and technical assistance for the implementation of best management practices (BMPs) on agricultural operations within the Commonwealth.
ACAP is administered by the State Conservation Commission, a state agency with a 14- member board co-chaired by the Secretaries of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The SCC provides leadership and oversight for conservation programs across the Commonwealth. The SCC delegates local implementation of ACAP to county conservation districts, which work directly with farmers and landowners to deliver the program and protect soil and water resources on agricultural operations within the Commonwealth.
ACAP was created through the Clean Streams Fund, established by the FY 2022-2023 Pennsylvania State Budget. ACAP was originally funded with $154 million of federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds that were allocated to the Clean Streams Fund. In FY 24-25, the State Budget included an annual dedicated $50 million to the Clean Streams Fund, of which ACAP receives $35.75 million to reduce non-point source (NPS) pollution in Commonwealth streams, rivers and waterbodies.
County ACAP Project Funding Contracted: $150,103,446 (through June 2025)
"ACAP is the funding puzzle piece we were always missing. Now, we can plan and implement real solutions."
Jamie Knecht , Wayne Conservation District
Download the 2025 Initial Report (PDF)
