Virginia Agricultural Best Management Practices Cost-Share Program (VACS)
Virginia Agricultural Best Management Practices Cost-Share Program (VACS) helps Virginia farmers fund conservation practices to protect water quality, conserve soil and improve farm resource use.
Funder: Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
Due Dates: Local application deadlines (contact your SWCD) | July 1, 2026 (FY 2027 begins) | June 30, 2027 (FY 2027 ends)
Funding Amounts: Up to $300,000 per individual per year; cost-share rates up to 100%; $304 million allocated for FY 2027
Summary: VACS helps Virginia farmers implement conservation practices that protect water quality, conserve soil and improve farm resource use.
Key Information: Projects require advance approval from the local Soil and Water Conservation District board.
Description
The Virginia Agricultural Best Management Practices Cost-Share Program (VACS) provides financial and technical assistance to farmers implementing conservation practices across Virginia. The Department of Conservation and Recreation administers the program in partnership with Virginia’s 47 Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs). It supports more than 60 best management practices on cropland, pastureland, hay land and forested land, including practices for crop, livestock and poultry operations.
All funded practices are selected for their ability to improve or protect water quality. Many also improve farm productivity by conserving soil and promoting efficient use of fertilizers and other agricultural resources. Local districts support conservation plans that meet local water quality guidelines and rank practices by priority to direct funding.
