Richmond, Virginia – In a significant boost for environmental conservation, the state of Virginia has earmarked a record $207 million for the Virginia Agricultural Best Management Practices Cost-Share Program (VACS) for fiscal year 2025. This allocation marks an impressive increase of $82.1 million from the previous year, setting a new precedent in support for farmers and producers throughout the Commonwealth.
Enhancing Agricultural Practices and Environmental Stewardship
The VACS program is designed to encourage the adoption of agricultural practices that protect water quality across Virginia by mitigating nutrient pollution, sediment, and waste from entering waterways. By participating in the program, farmers not only contribute to environmental preservation but also stand to improve the productivity and efficiency of their operations, potentially reducing labor and input costs over time.
Farmers participating in the VACS program can receive up to $300,000 in state cost-share reimbursement. This funding supports the implementation of over 60 different best management practices. Key practices eligible for funding include:
- Cover crops, which help reduce erosion and improve soil health
- Nutrient Management Plans, which optimize the use and efficiency of fertilizers
- Forested or herbaceous buffers, which filter runoff and enhance wildlife habitats
- Livestock stream-exclusion systems, which prevent direct contamination of waterways from livestock
Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources, Travis Voyles, emphasized the program’s importance, stating, “The previous two years’ historic levels of funding for soil and water conservation continues this year, increasing our support for the agriculture community and environmental stewardship. The VACS program is a testament to the administration’s commitment to meet our water quality goals while empowering farmers to voluntarily safeguard Virginia’s natural resources.”
The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) administers the cost-share program in close collaboration with Virginia’s 47 soil and water conservation districts (SWCDs). This partnership ensures that farmers receive both tailored technical assistance and funding opportunities that are suited to the unique needs of their operations.
DCR Director Matt Wells highlighted the collective effort behind the funding increase, “This record funding demonstrates our collective effort to promote cost-effective conservation practices while protecting Virginia’s natural resources. We will continue to collaborate with Virginia’s soil and water conservation districts and agricultural producers to ensure the success of this program.”
Dr. Kendall Tyree, executive director of the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Districts, praised the state’s support, “Virginia’s soil and water conservation districts are the central resource for state cost-share sign-up and practice implementation. We commend the governor and the General Assembly for their unprecedented support of voluntary conservation initiatives and look forward to continuing to assist Virginia’s agricultural community through our district offices.”
Farmers interested in leveraging this funding should contact their local SWCDs. Detailed information about local conservation districts and how to apply for the VACS funding can be found at https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/soil-and-water/swcds. With the fiscal year 2025 commencing today, July 1, 2024, eligible farmers are encouraged to explore this opportunity to enhance their conservation efforts and contribute to the sustainability of Virginia’s agricultural landscape.
