
Commodity Buffer

What is a Commodity Buffer?
Unlike any other buffer program in the nation, the commodity buffer is an opportunity to showcase a practice that works on all fronts! It compensates a producer for the true value of the ground, can help provide regulatory certainty for the agricultural community and protects water quality.
Eligibility: Agricultural producers, ranch lands, and Tribes (must control or own eligible land)
- Currently only available in Washington State
- Sit down with an SCD conservation planner to explore this opportunity on your land.
- Existing buffers do not affect eligibility.
Requirements: Producer must install and maintain required buffer size according to waterway type, tillage practices and associated STIR rating
- Can utilize EQIP program or SCD riparian program to install buffer.
- Practice can be a filter strip (grass only) or a native riparian forest (grasses, trees and shrubs).
- Producer must maintain practice for a minimum of three years.

Compensation & Benefits
Compensation: Compensation rates to install buffers at or above adjacent crop rotation values (based on RMA projected prices).
- Using a customized buffer pricing model, compensation for buffers will change annually, to participate in higher market values.
- Funding incentives available based on size of buffer, tilling practices, and type of buffer (including existing).
Benefits: The commodity buffer can help maintain the financial viability of your most productive land.
- Can assist producer toward Farmed Smart Certification eligibility.
- Can help provide regulatory certainty.
- Reduces suspended solids and associated contaminants (ie. nutrients, pesticides and bio-solids) in runoff.
- Less ground to work and operate.
- Can be grazed or hayed (with appropriate planning requirements).
- Compensates early adopters of buffer installation.
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Ask Us a Question or Request Assistance
SCD is available to explore funding opportunities and financial aid programs that can support your conservation efforts. From grants and loans to cost-sharing programs, we can help you access the necessary resources to make your conservation projects a reality.
Do you have a resource concern? Tell us more here.

COMMODITY BUFFER CONTACT
Jacob Taylor
Conservation Specialist
509-535-7274, ext. 240
Jacob@SpokaneCD.org