Virginia announces record $304 million for soil and water conservation

Historic funding for the Virginia Agricultural Best Management Practices Cost-Share Program (VACS) will empower farmers and protect water quality

RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia Agricultural Best Management Practices Cost-Share (VACS) program has been allocated $304 million in cost-share funding for FY 2027, the highest level of investment in the program’s history.

This funding is an $81 million increase over FY 2026 and marks the fifth straight year of record funding.

This record-setting funding underscores Virginia’s continued commitment to improving water quality, supporting agricultural producers and meeting Chesapeake Bay and local stream restoration goals through voluntary, farmer-led conservation practices.

The VACS program provides financial and technical assistance to farmers and landowners to implement conservation practices that reduce nutrient and sediment runoff, improve soil health and enhance long-term farm sustainability.

“Farmers are the original conservationists. They know that soil and water are what sustain us. They recognize their critical role that they play in protecting Virginia’s water quality, not just for the Chesapeake Bay, but also for their local waterways,” said Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources David Bulova. “This unprecedented funding ensures farmers have the tools and support needed to help all of us succeed in our long-term partnership protecting our waterways.”

The FY 2027 allocation will expand access to a wide range of best management practices, including nutrient management planning, cover crops, livestock exclusion fencing and riparian buffers. Farmers can receive up to $300,000 in state cost-share reimbursement for over 60 best management practices.

“The VACS program is a cornerstone of the Commonwealth’s conservation efforts, helping farmers implement practices that improve water quality and enhance the long-term sustainability of their operations,” said DCR Director Nikki Rovner. “This record funding underscores our shared commitment to supporting agriculture while safeguarding Virginia’s natural resources. Together with Virginia’s soil and water conservation districts and agricultural producers, we will continue building on the program’s success and delivering meaningful conservation outcomes statewide.”

DCR works in partnership with Virginia’s 47 Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) to administer the funds and provide on-the-ground support to agricultural producers statewide.

“This historic investment will significantly enhance our ability to support farmers in every corner of the Commonwealth,” said Dr. Kendall Tyree, executive director of the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. “Local districts are on the front lines of conservation in the agricultural sector, and this funding ensures we can continue providing the technical expertise and trusted relationships that make these programs successful.”

Applications for FY 2027 funding will be available through local district offices, with enrollment periods and program details to be announced in the coming weeks.

Farmers interested in applying for funding should contact their local SWCDs. A map of local conservation districts and contact information can be found here: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/soil-and-water/swcds.

The 2027 fiscal year began July 1, 2026.

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Wayne Creed

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