County Agriculture and Wildlife Co-Existence Program accepting grant applications Oct. 1 through Nov. 30

The Benton County Agriculture and Wildlife Protection Program (AWPP), now in its eighth year, will be open for general applications starting Oct. 1. The AWPP is a grant program for farmers which promotes agriculture and wildlife co-existence by funding non-lethal wildlife deterrents to prevent losses to livestock, crops and property.

Agricultural operations of all sizes may apply for up to $5,000 in reimbursement funds for the purchase of non-lethal wildlife deterrents which may include standard or electric fencing, sound or light scare devices, fladry or flagging, protective animal housing, livestock guardian animals and other approved options.

Property owners experiencing conflicts with beavers, such as tree damage or flooding, can also apply year-round to purchase deterrents to protect trees and crops or prevent flooding.

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. Grant applications may be downloaded from the AWPP website and submitted Oct. 1 through Nov. 30. Grant awards will be announced in early January and successful applicants will have until April 30, 2025 to install their projects and request reimbursement after an on-site visit by Benton County staff.

Since 2017, AWPP has provided 37 awards totaling $106,884 to Benton County farmers for the purchase of wildlife-friendly deterrents. Awards are made based upon the applicant’s philosophy of animal damage control, quality of application and likely effectiveness of the proposed non-lethal deterrents project plan. Successful applicants must provide a 10% funding match via labor or materials purchases. The AWPP does not fund deterrents for deer or elk.

Learn more about the AWPP, apply and find more information about the program at pw.bentoncountyor.gov/awpp.

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 the Public Information Office at 541-766-6800 or pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.