The agencies of the Agriculture and Forestry Secretariat provide a number of services to Virginia’s farmers, forestry industries, and agricultural producers. This includes economic development services for the agriculture and forestry industries, marketing services, farmland and forestland preservation, and food safety and security.
The House Appropriations Committee supports this work with $86 million in state general funds.
Budget Overview
The largest VDACS program area is agricultural industry marketing, development, promotion, and improvements, with a total appropriation of $27.4 million in FY 2026. This includes $2.3 million for the Virginia Wine Promotion Fund and $1.2 million for the Virginia Spirits Promotion Fund.
VDACS was also appropriated $2.5 million in FY 2026 for economic development activities. This includes $1.5 million for the Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund, which supports discretionary grants to localities and political subdivisions throughout Virginia to support economic development related to agriculture and forestry industries. An additional $600,000 was provided for the Dairy Producer Margin Coverage Premium Assistance Fund, and $250,000 to aid in the establishment of a new blue catfish processing industry.
Reports and Presentations
Virginia Food Access Investment Fund Annual Report
Resources and Deep Dives
Staff Contact
