The Arizona Department of Water Resources’ Fifth Management Plan becomes effective January 1, 2025. With the new
management plan, there are updates to the Ag BMP Program. In short, if you did not qualify for the current Ag BMP
Program, you may qualify for the new one. The most impactful change has been to the points given for specific
practices and irrigation systems. The application process is the same as it has been. However, if you are not currently
enrolled in the Ag BMP program, you will have to submit the entire application including property owner affidavits, farm
maps per ADWR specifications, as well as the four-page application. Flex credits are handled the way they have been in
previous program years. Flex Credits will be frozen while enrolled in the program. If there is a negative flex credit
balance, that will need to be zero’d out in order to qualify for the program.
This application process is not typically done overnight. Tracking down landowners to get affidavit forms completed and
tracking down flex credits that can be transferred to current IGFRs that have a negative balance takes time. ADWR is
requesting all new Ag BMP applications (not currently enrolled) be received by the end of December 2024.
Renewal applications (currently enrolled) are requested to be submitted by July 1, 2024. You can access the Ag
BMP application via this link www.azwater.gov/ama/agriculture-program Once you are on the web page, scroll down
and select “Documents” and a drop down menu will appear which lists the Ag BMP application. Select the application,
download it, and print it. The complete document contains all the forms and instructions to complete it.
The WCMP is available to help with the application process. Do not hesitate to call to discuss any questions you may
have or to set an appointment to go over your application in detail.
Call the WCMP today 480.466.2968
