The approach taken in North Carolina for addressing agriculture's contribution to the nonpoint source water pollution problem is to primarily encourage voluntary participation by the agricultural community. This approach is supported by financial incentives, technical and educational assistance, research, and regulatory programs.

NC Agriculture Cost Share Program

Participating farmers receive 75% of predetermined average costs of installed best management practices (BMPs) with the remaining 25% paid by farmers directly or through in-kind contributions. Some applicants may be eligible to receive as much as $75,000 per year. Also the program provides local Districts with matching funds (50:50) to hire personnel to plan and install the needed BMPs. The Commission allocates cost share funds to local Districts based on the level of state appropriations and water quality protection priorities.

Cost Share allocation and funding decisions by District Boards are based on their written strategy plans. After receiving their allocation, District Boards review applications from landowners for Cost Share funding and decide who will be funded for BMP installation. The written strategy plans are used to prioritize the BMPs in terms of effectiveness for water quality protection. District Boards are encouraged to place the highest priority on the most cost effective water quality protection measures.

NC Partners Project

The Partners Project Program gives landowners or tenants with long term leases up to 50% reimbursement to develop habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, and wading birds.  The contract lasts for ten years and applications are accepted throughout the year.

NC Wetlands Restoration Program  (NCWRP)

The NCWRP is an innovative, nonregulatory program established by the NC General Assembly in 1996 to restore wetlands, streams and streamside (riparian) areas throughout the state. The goals of the NCWRP are to:

• Protect and improve water quality by restoring wetland, stream and riparian area functions and values lost through historic, current and future impacts.
• Achieve a net increase in wetland acreage, functions and values in all of North Carolina's major river basins.
• Promote a comprehensive approach for the protection of natural resources.