Cost-share
Virginia Agricultural BMP Cost-Share Program (VACS)
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
What you can get
Per-practice rates set in the annual VACS manual; cover crops among the most-funded practices for Chesapeake Bay cleanup
- Readiness
- Local office first
- Who can apply
- producer, Virginia producers with an approved conservation plan, via their local Soil and Water Conservation District
- Coverage
- VA
- Deadline & timing
- FY2027 program year began July 1, 2026, with a record $304 million in state cost-share funding. Apply at your local Soil and Water Conservation District; districts set their own application deadlines and rank requests, and DCR encourages timely applications because demand is high. An individual may receive up to $300,000 per year. Contact your SWCD for cover crop and other practice sign-up dates.
cover cropwater qualitynutrient management
Optional expert service · $249
Turn program research into an application package.
An eligibility screen for one farm, a shortlist of up to three relevant programs, and draft practice justifications and a document checklist for one selected application. Delivered within 7 business days after intake.
Last verified Sep 14, 2026. Always confirm current terms and deadlines on the official site before applying.
Plan your next step
Run a quick soil assessment or ask an agronomist how this program fits your fields.