The San Juan Conservation District is urging agricultural producers and landowners across Archuleta, Hinsdale and Mineral counties to prepare for a historic funding opportunity.
Starting in October, the state will open applications for the new Agricultural Stewardship Tax Credit.
Formally created through House Bill (HB) 24-1249, this program offers massive financial rewards for voluntary conservation efforts that protect the rugged lands and critical water resources of the San Juan Basin.
HB24-1249 focuses on helping local producers implement sustainable conservation practices while maintaining business profitability.
This recently enacted Colorado law aims to “encourage an individual to actively practice one or more qualified stewardship practices on a farm or ranch, including any practice that increases soil health, improves water efficiency, or creates more diverse and beneficial ecosystems while maintaining the productivity of the farm or ranch.”
The state has allocated $3 million annually for this first-of-its-kind program. Because the credit is fully refundable, eligible local ranchers and farmers will receive a direct cash rebate from the state even if they have zero state income tax liability.
“I am deeply committed to ensuring our local producers, ranchers and landowners are positioned to capture these vital funding streams,” said Renée Mathews, the newly appointed district manager of the San Juan Conservation District. “While programs like this are highly competitive, they can be used strategically across our agricultural community. Even if this specific credit doesn’t fit your current agricultural operation, it could be a game-changer for a neighbor — and, ultimately, every successful conservation effort benefits our entire community.”
Crucial deadlines and funding caps
The state portal opens in October, with a strict final submission deadline. Applicants should ensure their applications are completely filled out ready to submit promptly at Nov. 16 at 10 a.m. The selection process functions like a lottery.
Landowners can receive up to $150,000 for one qualified practice, $200,000 for two practices and a maximum of $300,000 per year for implementing three or more practices. Individual taxpayers can participate for up to three tax years.
The Colorado Department of Agriculture has approved more than 17 distinct agricultural stewardship practices suited to our local geography. These include advanced irrigation water management, managed grazing, no-till farming, overseeding and virtual fencing.
The state will not allow double-dipping. This tax credit cannot be used if a landowner is already receiving other state grants or state tax credits for the exact same practice on the exact same acreage.
Only qualified taxpayers are eligible to receive an agricultural stewardship tax credit. A qualified taxpayer is an individual or an entity (such as an LLC or partnership) that pays income taxes in the state of Colorado. Producers will not be eligible for this tax rebate if they owe taxes. Please consult a tax professional to determine if you or your entity is eligible to receive this tax credit.
Get help applying
Landowners are highly encouraged to attend the state’s upcoming informational webinars:
Webinar 1: Thursday, Oct. 8, at 6 p.m.
Webinar 2: Wednesday, Oct. 14, at 10 a.m.
For assistance, application guides and webinar registration links, visit the Colorado Department of Agriculture Stewardship Tax Portal at https://ag.colorado.gov/ag-stewardship-tax.
About the San Juan
Conservation District
Serving landowners in Archuleta and parts of Mineral and Hinsdale counties, the San Juan Conservation District is a special district government entity that promotes the wise use and sustainable management of soil, water and related natural resources through local leadership, education and direct technical assistance.
Visit sanjuanconservationdistrictCO.gov and sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on critical funding streams like the new ag stewardship tax credit.
>