County agriculture and wildlife co-existence program open for grant applications starting October 1.

The approved 2023-2025 Benton County biennial budget includes $47,475 in funding to continue the Agriculture and Wildlife Protection Program (AWPP), a grant program for farmers which supports co-existence with wildlife by funding the installation and use of non-lethal deterrents to protect livestock, crops and property from wildlife.

Agricultural operations of all sizes may apply for up to $5,000 in reimbursement funds for the purchase of deterrents, which may include standard and electric fencing, audio or visual scare devices, fladry or flagging, protective animal housing, and livestock guardian animals. Property owners who are experiencing conflicts with beavers can apply year-round to purchase deterrents to protect trees and crops or prevent flooding issues. The AWPP does not fund deterrents for deer or elk.

The AWPP also provides information and resources to farmers regarding non-lethal wildlife deterrence and can help guide interested citizens in creating successful deterrent plans. The AWPP 2023-2025 budget includes $5,000 for educational outreach and expert consultation services, $35,000 for the regular grant program, and $7,475 for emergency grants for farmers experiencing pressing issues related to predation or beaver-related impacts which arise outside of the annual grant application window.

Grant applications may be downloaded from the AWPP webpage and submitted October 1 through November 30, 2023. Grant awards will be announced in early January and successful applicants will have until April 30 to install their projects and request reimbursement after a farm visit by Benton County staff.

Since 2017, the AWPP has provided 32 awards totaling $84,680 to Benton County farmers for the purchase of wildlife-friendly animal damage deterrents. Awards are made based upon the applicant's philosophy of animal damage control, quality of application and the likely effectiveness of the proposed non-lethal deterrents project plan. Successful applicants must provide a 10% funding match via labor or materials purchases.

Learn more about the AWPP, apply and find more information about the grant program at co.benton.or.us/AWPP.

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Benton County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring and employment practices. This document is available in alternative formats and languages upon request. Please contact Cory Grogan at 541-745-4468 or pioinfo@co.benton.or.us.