New EPA Partnership Supports Virginia Sustainability

Oct 07, 2025
By Farms.com

Five-year MOU Strengthens Collaboration For Sustainable Agriculture Practices

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 3 and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) have signed their first-ever Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance cooperation on agricultural practices that support environmental sustainability, regulatory compliance, education, and communication.
 

“Establishing a strong relationship with our state regulators is a win for all farmers and ranchers. This MOU lays the groundwork to ensure farmers have a seat at the table when it comes to protecting our environment and Powering the Great American Comeback,” said Turner Bridgforth, EPA’s Senior Advisor for Agricultural and Rural Affairs.
 

EPA Region 3 Administrator Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey and VDACS Commissioner Joseph Guthrie formalized the agreement, marking a new chapter for environmental collaboration in the Commonwealth.
 

“This marks a new chapter for partnership between EPA and the Commonwealth to protect Virginia’s environment and help its agricultural economy thrive,” said Van Blarcom-Lackey.
 

The five-year agreement emphasizes shared goals of supporting well-managed, sustainable farms that balance productivity with environmental stewardship. “We are happy to partner with the EPA to develop solutions for environmental protection and to keep Virginia agriculture productive,” said Guthrie.
 

“By entering into this agreement with the EPA, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is reaffirming our commitment to Virginia farmers and agribusinesses by working together to strengthen the Commonwealth's agricultural community.”
 

As part of the MOU launch, EPA and VDACS participated in a roundtable discussion hosted by the Virginia Farm Bureau (VFB) with agriculture and forestry leaders in Richmond, focused on building open communication between federal, state, and local stakeholders.
 

The MOU outlines several initiatives, including increased state-federal collaboration, regular roundtables with agricultural partners, promoting environmental stewardship, and improving regulatory compliance through joint training and assessment programs.
 

Both agencies will produce an annual report summarizing achievements and outlining future goals under the agreement.


This historic partnership strengthens cooperation between state and federal agencies, ensuring Virginia agriculture continues to thrive while protecting natural resources for future generations.

 

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