Virginia Agricultural Best Management Practices Cost-Share Program
Virginia Agricultural Best Management Practices Cost-Share Program supports Virginia farmers in adopting conservation practices that protect water quality, improve soil health and sustain farms.
Funder: Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
Due Dates: District-specific application deadlines (contact your local SWCD)
Funding Amounts: $304 million allocated for FY 2027; up to $300,000 per individual per year
Summary: Cost-share assistance helps Virginia farmers implement conservation practices that protect water quality and soil health.
Key Information: Projects need advance approval from the local Soil and Water Conservation District board.
Description
The Virginia Agricultural Best Management Practices Cost-Share Program (VACS) helps farmers put conservation plans into action on cropland, pastureland, hay land and forested land. The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation administers the program with the Commonwealth’s 47 Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs), which distribute funding and provide technical assistance.
More than 60 eligible practices address water quality, soil health and the long-term sustainability of agricultural operations. Examples include cover crops, nutrient management plans, livestock stream-exclusion systems and rotational grazing. Districts rank proposed practices against local water quality guidelines when deciding which plans to support.
