Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Nine Virginia farms have received special recognition as grand winners of the 2023 Clean Water Farm Awards for demonstrating exceptional commitment to practices that protect the soil and water. The awards recognize farmers or farm owners doing exceptional work to protect soil and water resources. One winner is selected from each of Virginia’s major river basins. Learn more.
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation is proud to sponsor the Clean Water Farm Award and the Bay Friendly Farm Award. Virginia farmers who implement conservation plans and are doing their part to preserve water quality. They deserve recognition and thanks. These individuals are role models who encourage others to do their part as well.
Farmers spend time, energy and hard-earned money implementing conservation practices, but others also benefit from their treatment of the land. When nutrients, pesticides and chemicals are kept out of local waterways, quality of life is maintained — and even improved — for many people and wildlife.
And the winners are... Farmers and landowners who receive the Virginia Clean Water Farm Award progressively manage their operations and have adopted and implemented innovative conservation tools, technologies and practices. If you are a farmer or landowner whose farm exemplifies the use of practices that protect and enhance water quality, you can be nominated for this award.
Anyone may nominate a farmer or farm for a Clean Water Farm Award. Simply contact a local soil and water conservation district for assistance in completing an application. Virginia’s 47 soil and water conservation districts decide local winners, who can represent any of the 94 counties and 18 cities SWCDs serve. If you win, you will receive a certificate signed by the governor and a sign to display proudly at your farm. Previous Clean Water Farm Award local and state winners are eligible; you can win the award more than once.
From the pool of Virginia Clean Water Farm Award recipients, up to 10 grand winners representing Virginia's major river basins are selected each year. Nominees are submitted by local SWCDs. Grand Basin Award winners must meet the Clean Water Farm Award’s criteria and demonstrate exceptional conservation on the land and in managing operations. These award winners receive additional acknowledgment at a special recognition ceremony. In addition to the standard sign and certificate, these awards are presented for the following river basins: Big Sandy-Tennessee Rivers, Chowan River, Coastal, James River, New-Yadkin Rivers, Potomac River, Rappahannock River, Roanoke River, Shenandoah River and the York River.
Download the Clean Water Farm Award nomination fillable application form.
Download the Grand Basin Award nomination fillable application form.
