Farmers can learn more about the Resource Enhancement and Protection tax credit program at two separate meetings that will be hosted by the State Conservation Commission during the 2008 Pennsylvania Farm Show.

The meetings will be held January 8 and 10, from 10 a.m. to noon in the Pennsylvania Room in the Farm Show Complex & Expo Center in Harrisburg.

"Farmers may not be sure if their operations qualify for REAP tax credits or how to apply, so they can bring all questions to this informational meeting to learn more about the program," said Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff. "With increased production and energy costs, farmers need to explore all available options to keep their businesses profitable and REAP provides another tool to help do that."

The Resource Enhancement and Protection program, administered by the State Conservation Commission, encourages farmers to use conservation best management practices to reduce erosion and sedimentation impacting Pennsylvania's streams and watersheds.

Guidelines and application packets will be available during the week of the Farm Show at the Department of Agriculture booth on the Main Floor of the Farm Show Complex & Expo Center.

Applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis and must be postmarked after December 26. Applications delivered in person will not be accepted prior to January 2 at 8 a.m.

For more information about the program or for information about attending the educational meetings, contact program administrator Mary Bender at 717-787-8821 or send e-mail to: mabender@state.pa.us , or visit the REAP webpage.

1/4/2008