Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
A record $207 million has been allocated to the Virginia Agricultural Best Management Practices Cost-Share Program (VACS) for fiscal year 2025. This historic level of funding provides farmers and producers with unprecedented support to adopt conservation practices designed to protect water quality throughout the commonwealth.
The cost-share funding for FY 2025 is an $82.1 million increase over FY 2024’s previous record of $124.6 million.
The VACS program offers financial incentives for farmers to adopt best management practices aimed at reducing nutrient pollution, sediment and waste from entering waterways. These voluntary practices can provide a long-term boost to an operation’s bottom line through increased productivity and reduced labor and input costs.
Farmers can receive up to $300,000 in state cost-share reimbursement for more than 60 best management practices, including:
The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) administers the cost-share program in partnership with Virginia’s 47 soil and water conservation districts (SWCDs), allowing farmers to receive tailored technical assistance and funding opportunities that meet the specific needs of their operation.
Virginia’s SWCDs work directly with farmers to distribute cost-share funding from the VACS program and provide technical assistance for its implementation.
Farmers interested in applying for funding should contact their local SWCDs. A map of local conservation districts and contact information can be found here.The 2025 fiscal year begins July 1, 2024.
