Virginia Farms Gain Support for Sustainability

AFT Provides Funding to Boost Soil Health and Farm Planning in Virginia

American Farmland Trust (AFT) has awarded nearly $1 million in grants to support 38 farmers and ranchers in Virginia. The funding is part of the Brighter Future Fund and Regenerate Virginia program to promote healthy soils and farm vitality.

The grants are intended to help producers adopt regenerative practices and ensure long-term success. Projects include using cover crops, biochar, and rotational grazing to reduce chemical inputs. 

Others focus on achieving food safety certification and improving soil health with new equipment.

The Healthy Soils Grant, launched in partnership with the Virginia Soil Health Coalition, supports ideas often overlooked by traditional programs. Inspired by a similar Maryland initiative, the grant allows farmers to innovate while building stronger soil systems.

The Farm Vitality Planning Grant addresses long-term business needs such as land acquisition, farm succession, and labor or financial management. It allows producers to invest in planning tools that help improve their operations over time.

Altogether, these grants represent about one-third of the $2.8 million AFT awarded across the U.S. and showcase a commitment to Virginia’s agricultural communities. AFT received applications from nearly 150 producers statewide.

One recipient, Nita Mensia of Winfield Farms, expressed her excitement - “I am so grateful for the confidence placed in our farm. You cannot imagine how much of an impact this is going to have. With this investment, I can begin farming full time, finish up site work and fully engage in the Farm to School Program which is really taking off faster than I had expected. This is such a blessing.”

The awards reflect a growing focus on sustainability, soil conservation, and farm resiliency throughout the region.