Other Helpful Agencies and Organizations
Many farm-related state and federal agencies and agricultural organizations can offer help to you. These groups can bring technical support, cost-share programs, educational opportunities, and other services to landowners and farm producers. Contact you local Extension agent for help locating these agencies in your area or visit the sites below to learn more about what each offers to you.
Farm Services Agency-Facilitates loan, conservation reserve, and commodity programs. Visit your local office for assistance.
Virginia Natural Resources Conservation Service-Offers technical support and cost-share program to producers and landowners to solve issues affecting soil, water, and other natural resources.
Virginia Department of Forestry-Offers support and services to landowners.
USDA Wildlife Services-Assists with predator removal and mitigation when livestock are endangered. For other wildlife concerns, call the wildlife hotline toll-free at 855-571-9003 M-F 8-4:30.
Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts-This webpage provides information about the purpose of Soil and Water Conservation Districts and the services they offer. The page contains a directory of Districts across the state.
Piedmont Soil and Water Conservation District-Serving Amelia, Nottoway, and Prince Edward Counties. See their Facebook page here.
Department of Environmental Quality-Oversees permitting for certain types of operations in order to protect natural resources
Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services-Offers consumer, marketing, and regulatory services. Visit the site and learn about their services related to pesticides, livestock marketing, grading, crop marketing, food safety, and more.
Directory of Livestock Sales-Posted and updated on the VDACS webpage
Certified Farm Seeker Program-Enables new and transitioning farmers to find access to available land and develop a farm plan
Virginia Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coalition-Aims to improve opportunities and knowledge available to new and beginning farmers. The program offers a new farmer training module to help producers develop a farm plan. Visit your Extension agent for more info.
Virginia Forage and Grasslands Council-This organization acts as a voice for forage-based agriculture and strives for more efficient use of land resources in ways that protect natural resources and the environment.
Virginia Cattlemen’s Association-This association exists to promote Virginia cattle, offer support to producers, enhance cattle marketing, and advocate for the state’s industry.
Virginia No-Till Alliance-Promotes and provides education for conservation practices related to tillage.
Virginia Crop Production Association-Offers education, support, and advocacy for Virginia’s crop producers.
Virginia Farm Bureau-Offers education and advocacy for the state’s agriculture
Virginia State University’s Small Farm Outreach Program-Supports limited-resource and socially-disadvantaged farmers with education, research, and resources.
Virginia Grown Program from VDACS-Online directory for local farms, markets, and CSAs. Producers can visit the site to add a listing.
Virginia Buy Fresh Buy Local-Offers support for local foods and a printed guide to local foods in each region. Visit your Extension agent for more information about adding a listing or obtaining a copy of the directory.
Virginia Association for Biological Farming-This organization is dedicated to promoting and supporting organic and biological farming and gardening.
Local Harvest-Provides searchabled directory for local foods including farms, markets, and CSAs
Please note that there are numerous other local and state organizations that support all types of agricultural production. The pages listed here are just a few examples and we are unable to list all of them, but you can ask your Extension agent about organizations that meet your needs. You may also find a list of useful sites from VDACS here.