BLACKSBURG—Virginia farmers and landowners have a new opportunity this spring to be compensated for conservation practices that support soil health, pasture productivity and long-term farm resilience. Enrollment is open statewide for the Alliance to Advance Climate-Smart Agriculture, paying landowners either $100 or $300 per acre for implementation of approved farming practices.
The Alliance is an initiative supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Advancing Markets for Producers initiative and led by Virginia Tech, financially compensating farmers for implementing programs for climate-smart practices on working lands through two programs.
“The General Program is a good fit if you want flexibility,” said Jamie Lucero, Alliance project director at the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
This program allows landowners to enroll up to 120 acres in just one practice—nutrient management, grazing management, or pasture and hay planting—and earn $100 per acre.
“The Pasture Renovation Subpilot is a better fit if you are able to implement all three practices within one year,” she added.
This option offers a higher payment of $300 per acre but requires completing all practices and allows enrollment of up to 50 acres.
Applications are open through April 30, with selections made on May 1. With an estimated $5.6 million budget, the Alliance expects to receive about 700 applications and aims to enroll 500 to 600 farmers across Virginia.
“Spots are limited,” Lucero continued. “With a limited budget and strong interest expected, producers are encouraged to apply early.”
Direct payments are issued by Virginia Tech, and participating producers help shape a national model for climate-smart agriculture.
The Alliance is a three-year pilot program designed to demonstrate the value of paying farmers for stewardship practices that deliver public benefits. These include improved soil health; increased water quality and conservation; reduced greenhouse gas emissions; and enhanced climate resilience.
Farmers and landowners want practical tools that make economic sense while supporting long-term sustainability, said Martha Moore, senior vice president of governmental relations for Virginia Farm Bureau Federation.
“Virginia Farm Bureau strongly supports programs that recognize farmers as part of the solution,” she said. “Initiatives like this provide real, workable incentives that help them invest in their land, strengthen their operations, and continue improving stewardship without sacrificing productivity.”
Applications must be completed by April 30. Farmers are encouraged to request required FSA documentation as soon as possible to avoid delays. Sample documents and detailed program information are available on the Alliance website.
More information about Virginia programs can be found at Allianceforcsa.org/virginia or call the Alliance team at 540-231-3990, extension 2.
Media: Contact Lucero at 540-231-0296; or Katelyn Jordan, VFBF governmental relations, at 804-290-1021.
