
Virginia Department of Conservation and RecreationAn official website of the Commonwealth of Virginia Here's how you knowAn official websiteHere's how you know
By Julie BuchananPosted October 06, 2021
Funding for the state agricultural cost-share program is at an all-time high in 2021-2022.
This is the year for cost-share.
The Virginia Agricultural Best Management Practices Cost-Share Program — better known by some as VACS — is funded at a record high for the 2021-2022 program year with $74 million.
VACS is the state program that helps farmers implement a host of conservation practices that protect water quality and their bottom line.
These practices often can be funded through a combination of state and federal funds, reducing the farmer’s expense to less than 30% of the total cost.
We repeat: This is the year for cost-share!
More than 70 different practices are eligible, including:
Many practices can help farmers address issues on the farm.
For example, nutrient management can increase soil productivity while saving farmers unnecessary fertilizer applications. Livestock-exclusion systems can reduce animal disease and injury while providing a clean and accessible source of water.
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation administers the state cost-share program in partnership with Virginia’s 47 soil and water conservation districts.
To apply for funding or tax credits, contact your local soil and water conservation district.
The program year ends June 30, 2022.
Categories
Soil and Water Conservation