Building the infrastructure for expanded use of nutrient credits in Virginia

This project proposes to establish the administrative framework and infrastructure for an expanded use of nutrient credits in Virginia.1. To establish the administrative framework and infrastructure for an expanded use of nutrient credits in Virginia through the development and implementation of necessary regulations and the establishment of a credit exchange registry. The goal is to establish a successful and innovative program in Virginia that is protective of water quality.
2. To analyze the micro-economics of nutrient trading in Virginia and its impact on agricultural BMP implementation and on farm operation and profitability. The goal is to provide Virginia-specific agricultural market data to appropriately focus nutrient credit trading guidance and to guide the selection of incentives to encourage participation from agriculture, a potentially large supplier of nutrient credit to the expanded program.