Resources & Partners
Resources & Partner Organizations for Virginia Farmers
Find trusted organizations, funding programs, and educational resources to help you manage, grow, and sustain your farm operation.
Our Partners
Organizations That Support Small Farmers
SFOP works alongside these agencies and institutions to deliver training, technical assistance, and resources to Virginia farmers.
Virginia AgrAbility
Helps farmers and farm workers with disabilities or chronic health conditions continue working in agriculture through assistive technology and education.
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Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food & Agriculture
Builds a more equitable and sustainable regional food system through farming, food access, and education programs in the mid-Atlantic region.
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Brunswick Farms to Families
Community program connecting Brunswick County farmers with local families, increasing access to fresh, locally grown food across the region.
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Department of Conservation and Recreation
Virginia DCR manages natural resources and state parks, offering conservation programs and cost-share funding that benefit farming operations statewide.
Visit DCR
Farm Bureau
Virginia Farm Bureau advocates for farmers at the state and national level, providing insurance, commodity marketing, and legislative support for Virginia agriculture.
Partner Organization
Farmer Veteran Coalition
Mobilizes veterans to feed America by connecting military veterans with farming resources, mentorship, and financial assistance to launch agricultural careers.
Visit FVC
Alliance for CSA
Supports and expands community-supported agriculture programs, connecting farmers with CSA members and providing tools to grow subscription-based farm models.
Visit Alliance for CSA
PLUG (Petersburg Urban Growing)
Petersburg Is Growing supports urban agriculture and food access in Petersburg, VA through education, training, and local food system initiatives.
Visit PLUG
MVFP – Minority & Veteran Farmers of the Piedmont
Advocates for and supports minority and veteran farmers in Virginia's Piedmont region, providing networking, resources, and a voice for underserved agricultural communities.
Visit MVFP
Farm Credit
A farmer-owned cooperative providing loans, leases, and financial services to farmers, ranchers, and rural businesses across the U.S.
Visit Farm Credit
Southern SARE
Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education funds farmer-led research and education projects advancing sustainable farming practices across the Southern U.S.
Visit Southern SARE
SERME – Southern Extension Risk Management Education
Provides risk management education and resources to farmers across the Southern U.S. through Extension programs covering crop insurance, financial planning, and more.
Visit SERME
USDA
The U.S. Department of Agriculture delivers programs and services to American farmers including loans, conservation, nutrition, research, and rural development support.
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USDA Farm Service Agency
FSA offers farm loans, disaster assistance, conservation programs, and price support programs directly to farmers and ranchers nationwide.
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USDA Rural Development
Invests in rural communities through loans, grants, and guarantees helping rural businesses, farmers, and homeowners build stronger rural economies.
Visit Rural Development
USDA Food and Nutrition Services
FNS administers nutrition assistance programs including SNAP and the Farmers Market Nutrition Program, connecting farmers with food-insecure communities.
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USDA Military Veteran Programs
USDA programs dedicated to supporting veterans who farm, including preferential access to FSA loans, NRCS programs, and Beginning Farmer resources.
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Natural Resources Conservation Service
NRCS helps farmers and landowners improve soil health, water quality, and conservation through voluntary programs and cost-share funding for on-farm improvements.
Visit NRCS
Fauquier Education Farm
A working educational farm in Fauquier County providing hands-on agricultural learning experiences for students, farmers, and community members.
Visit Fauquier Farm
Alliance to Advance Climate-Smart Agriculture
Promotes climate-smart farming practices through research, education, and advocacy to help farmers adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change.
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Virginia Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services
VDACS promotes Virginia agriculture, protects consumers, and supports farmers through marketing programs, grants, and regulatory services across the Commonwealth.
Visit VDACS
Virginia Soil Health Coalition
A coalition of farmers, agencies, and organizations working to improve soil health across Virginia through outreach, education, and on-farm demonstrations.
Visit VSHC
Tennie Agricultural Group
Provides agricultural consulting, training, and business development services supporting farmers, particularly minority and beginning producers, in building sustainable operations.
Visit Tennie Ag
Black Family Land Trust
Works to preserve, protect, and sustain land ownership for Black families through legal services, land retention programs, and community outreach across the South.
Visit BFLT
Farmer Resources
Tools & Resources for Your Farm
Trusted external resources organized by topic area. Click any card to visit the resource directly.
Financial & Loans
USDA FSA Farm Loan Programs
Direct and guaranteed loans for farm ownership, operating costs, and emergency needs for beginning and established farmers.
Visit FSA Loans →
Beginning Farmer & Rancher Loans
Special loan programs and set-asides designed to help new producers get started, including microloans up to $50,000.
Learn more →
USDA Grants & Funding
Browse all USDA grant opportunities, payment programs, and financial assistance available to small and minority farmers.
Browse USDA Grants →
Land & Property
USDA HEIRS Property Resources
Information and assistance for landowners dealing with heirs property — land passed down without a clear will or deed.
Visit farmers.gov →
USDA Succession & Estate Planning
Guides and tools to help farm families plan for ownership succession, protect land, and keep the farm in the family.
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FSA Land Contract Guarantee
Guarantees for contracts between a retiring farmer selling land to a beginning or socially disadvantaged farmer on installment.
Learn more →
Risk Management & Insurance
USDA Risk Management Agency
RMA delivers federal crop insurance programs, educates producers on risk management, and helps farmers protect their income and operations.
Visit RMA →
Whole-Farm Revenue Protection
A flexible crop insurance plan that covers revenue from all commodities on a farm under one policy — ideal for diversified small farms.
Learn more →
USDA Disaster Assistance Programs
Financial assistance programs for livestock, crop, and emergency losses caused by drought, floods, wildfires, and other natural disasters.
Explore programs →
Marketing & Selling
USDA Agricultural Marketing Service
AMS supports fair trading practices, promotes market opportunities, and provides standards, grading, and data services for U.S. agriculture.
Visit AMS →
Virginia's Finest / VA Grown
VDACS branding and marketing programs that help Virginia farmers promote their products to local consumers, grocers, and restaurants.
Visit VDACS →
LocalHarvest — Find Markets & CSAs
A national directory to help farmers connect with farmers markets, CSA buyers, and local food buyers in their area.
Visit LocalHarvest →
Training & Education
ATTRA — Sustainable Agriculture
Free publications, guides, and videos from the National Center for Appropriate Technology on organic farming, crop production, and farm business planning.
Visit ATTRA →
Cornell Small Farms Program
Online and in-person courses, guides, and tools for beginning and established farmers on production systems, business planning, and farm transitions.
Visit Cornell →
Beginning Farmers Network
A clearinghouse of resources, land link programs, training opportunities, and funding specifically for new and beginning farm operators.
Visit BFN →
Ready to get started?
All SFOP programs are free for qualifying Virginia farmers. Our team is here to connect you with the right resources.
Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia State University, Virginia Tech, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and local governments, and is an equal opportunity employer. For the full non-discrimination statement, please visit ext.vt.edu/accessibility.