When talking to farmers about clean water goals, we hear, time and again, that the real barrier to implementing practices like stream-side fencing and riparian buffers of trees and shrubs has been the cost. Funding for these agricultural best management practices (BMPs) support our local Soil and Water Conservation Districts that offer up a suite of conservation practices that improve farm operation and water quality. The farmer is responsible for reaching out to the agency, determining what can be implemented on their land, and paying for installation. Once the installation is complete, the District reimburses the landowner, usually between 50 – 90% of the project cost.
When more landowners participate in these programs and implement these practices, our region has stronger local food systems, better local water quality for drinking, recreation and tourism and more jobs—someone needs to install the fencing and sell the materials. Plus, with cleaner water in our streams, our communities will spend less money for treatment of our drinking water. Ultimately, implementation of BMPs on working landscapes is win-win-win for the farmer, their community and clean water.
We’re pleased that Governor Youngkin’s budget proposes to keep funding and financial incentives for the Districts’ programs steady to pay for District technical staff and reimburse farmers for their projects.
Virginia Agriculture Cost-Share Program (VACS)
Recommended: $256M per biennium
The Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Agricultural Needs Assessment identifies no less than $256 million needed over the biennium for agricultural practices. Practices like fencing cattle out of streams and planting streamside buffers are among the most cost-effective steps Virginia can take to restore the Bay and local waterways. Full funding to meet the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Agricultural Needs Assessment will ensure consistent and adequate annual funding of cost share programs and provide Virginia farmers with the necessary resources to implement these conservation practices.
Funding conservation programs that protect our farm and forested lands support the agricultural, forestry, and tourism sectors of our economy, preserve our historic and cultural resources, protect wildlife habitats, maintain our high quality of life and provide big savings in public spending. Conserving rural lands centralizes roads, schools, water, sewer and other services in and around our towns where it is cheaper to build and maintain this infrastructure.
Virginia Farmland Preservation Fund
Recommended: $5M per year
The Virginia Farmland Preservation Fund was established in 2007 to provide dollar-for-dollar matching funds to localities that invest in farmland preservation programs. This state funding can be further leveraged with other federal, state and private sources, allowing an even higher return on the investment by localities.
Virginia Land Conservation Foundation
Recommended: $20M per year
Virginia Land Conservation Foundation provides state matching grants for the protection of open spaces and parks, natural areas, historic areas, and farmland and forest preservation.
Virginia Battlefield Protection Foundation
Recommended: $5M per year
Fully funding Virginia Battlefield Protection Foundation is of critical importance to help protect the Commonwealth’s important historic resources, and ensures that Virginia does not miss out on millions of dollars in federal matching grants for battlefield preservation administered by the National Park Service’s American Battlefield Protection Program.
Virginia BIPOC Historic Preservation Fund
Recommended: $5M per year
Funding is the greatest obstacle for localities and small local organizations seeking to preserve the historic sites and resources of these historically marginalized and underrepresented communities. Perpetual easement terms outlined in the legislation ensure that the Commonwealth remains a partner in preservation of sites of importance to the BIPOC community that have not been traditional priorities for state conservation grant funding
We continue to thank Valley legislators for their key leadership in securing funds for the acquisition, design and development of the future Shenandoah Rail Trail.