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Commodity Buffer Program - Spokane CD
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Program level:
State
Provider:
Spokane Conservation District
Benefits provided:
Financial, Free technical assistance, Marketing/Recognition
Land use:
Agriculture
Water-focused program:
Yes
Implement and keep a buffer that helps with regulatory certainty, protects water quality, and can provide added value to your operation (hay).
Overview
Description:
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.
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.
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.
Eligibility:
Agricultural producers, ranch lands, and Tribes (must control or own eligible land)
Currently only available in Washington State
Sit down with a SCD conservation planner to explore this opportunity on your land.
Check geographic eligibility online at sccd.org/rccp
Existing buffers do not affect eligibility.
Financial benefit:
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).
Contact information
Information last updated on July 15, 2025.
Planning Importance
Developing a forest, agricultural, or conservation plan helps identify and prioritize objectives for landowners. These objectives can determine what type programs to search for. Supporting organizations in your area often provide free consultation and planning.
Landscape Characteristics
See how your land fits into the broader context of regional conservation, ecosystem services, and working lands' values across the landscape through our interactive mapper tool. It could help you determine which program is a good fit for you!
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