Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
This article was originally featured in the Small Farm Outreach Program (SFOP) Winter 2024-2025 Quarterly newsletter published by the Cooperative Extension at Virginia State University.
Barbara McGarry, Resource Management Plan Program Coordinator and Senior PR and Marketing Specialist Matt Sabas contributed to this post.
Although the Virginia Resource Management Plan (RMP) Program just celebrated its 10-year anniversary, many farmers are still unaware of the long-term benefits of participating in this voluntary conservation program. RMP plans help farmers identify and address conservation challenges specific to their operation by recommending voluntary agricultural best management practices (BMPs) intended to prevent harmful runoff from entering waterways.
In addition to protecting streams and rivers in their local communities, practices included in RMPs may qualify for state cost-share funds through the Virginia Agricultural BMP Cost-Share (VACS) Program to help cover the cost of installing or implementing BMPs. Farmers are eligible for a one-time $5/acre VACS payment once a certified RMP is in place and can receive up to $300,000 per year for eligible VACS practices.
An RMP combines elements and principles of conservation planning and nutrient management planning by incorporating a suite of BMPs that minimize further soil erosion, address existing gully erosion, implement nutrient management, and protect perennial streams with either buffers or livestock exclusion fencing.
The RMP program, administered by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, has expanded over the last decade to include more than 140,000 acres across the state. There is no minimum size for an RMP; smaller operators and farmers throughout Virginia can work with RMP developers to craft a plan that meets their farm’s specific needs.
Consider Keith Tuck, a Bedford County livestock producer with over 200 acres of pastureland. Mr. Tuck converted his farm from a hay/livestock operation to an intense rotational grazing system to support his cow/calf and replacement heifer operation.
When asked why the RMP program appealed to him and his operation, he replied that the RMP improved his ranking score for the VACS cost-share program, allowing him to receive financial assistance to implement BMPs. Mr. Tuck also received a nutrient management plan at no cost, a benefit any farmer qualifies for as their RMP is being developed.
RMPs are written by RMP developers certified by DCR. Like Mr. Tuck, any participating farmer may request to have an RMP developed and then choose whether to enact the plan.
A certified and implemented RMP assures a farm has met a high standard of conservation, and qualified participants can display a “Certified Conservation Farm” sign provided by DCR recognizing their commitment to conservation.
If you are interested in having an RMP developed for your farm, contact a certified RMP developer from DCR’s registry at this link rmp-developers.pdf (virginia.gov) or email DCR’s RMP Program team at rmp@dcr.virginia.gov.
The Small Farm Outreach Program (SFOP), a part of Cooperative Extension at Virginia State University, educates and empowers small, limited-resource, socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers to own, operate and sustain farms and ranches independently with agricultural training programs that improve farm management skills and quality of life. Reach out to the Virginia Small Farm Outreach Program directly at (804) 524-3292 or smallfarm@vsu.edu.
Categories
Soil and Water Conservation
