VACS
Mountain Castles SWCD administers the Virginia Agricultural Best Management Practice Cost-Share Program and Tax Credit Program (VACS) for farms in Craig County and Botetourt County. VACS provides cost-share and tax credit assistance for agricultural producers to implement Best Management Practices (BMPs) which improve water quality.
Common examples of BMPs include
Need help with financing? The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has an Agricultural Loan Program for Agricultural BMPs.
Other state programs include the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), Nutrient Management Planning and Resource Management Plans (RMPs).
NRCS
The Natural Resources Conservation Service is our USDA partner with their own set of conservation programs available to producers. Farmers in Botetourt and Craig should Contact Derek Hancock at for more information.
Derek Hancock — phone: (540) 795-3647; email: derek.hancock@usda.gov
VCE
Virginia Cooperative Extension has staff in Craig County and Botetourt County with a wealth of information and programs for producers.
VDOF
The Virginia Department of Forestry offers a number of services related to the management of woodlots and native grasses.
Small Farm Outreach Program
The Small Farm Outreach Program (SFOP), a part of Cooperative Extension at Virginia State University, educates and empowers small, limited-resource, socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers to own, operate and sustain farms and ranches independently with agricultural training programs that improve farm management skills and quality of life.
James River Buffer Program
The James River Buffer Program helps landowners in the James River Watershed install riparian (streamside) buffers on their properties at NO COST to the landowner.
Not sure who you need to contact?
The Upper and Middle James Riparian Buffer Consortium has a great tool to help landowners assess conservation needs on their property AND direct them to the appropriate programs and agencies. Click here to access the Streamside Program Report Tool. Here’s a demo of how to use the tool.