Agriculture Department To Give Information On REAP Tax Credits In Lycoming County

Farmers are invited to learn more about how they can earn tax credits by taking steps to improve the state's water resources during an informational meeting at 7 p.m. on July 7 at the Lycoming County Agricultural Complex in Montoursville.

Mary Bender, the State Conservation Commission's Resource Enhancement and Protection Program (REAP) administrator, will be on hand to provide information on the application and funding process.

The meeting will be hosted by the Lycoming County Conservation District.

"During these tough economic times, agricultural producers need to take full advantage of all the tools available to help them maintain profitable businesses while remaining good stewards of the land," said Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff. "We invite farmers to attend this meeting to learn more about how the REAP program can help improve their businesses by incorporating conservation practices."

REAP provides tax credits for farmers to use conservation best management practices or purchase no-till cropping equipment to reduce erosion and sedimentation impacting Pennsylvania's streams and watersheds.

Applications for the 2009-10 program will be accepted by the commission beginning August 3, on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications postmarked prior to July 30, will be returned. All applications received by the commission postmarked July 30 and later and received by the close of the business day on Aug. 3 will be pooled, randomly selected and assigned a number.

A 2007-08 annual report is available showing the success of REAP. A webinar is also available on how to fill out the 2009-10 REAP application.

For more information, visit the REAP webpage or call the Lycoming County Conservation District for meeting information at 570-329-4004.