Resources for New and Beginning Farmers | VDACS ABOUT VDACS ANIMALS CONSERVATION & ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION Farmer Stress Partnerships Resources for New and Beginning Farmers Resources for Teachers and Students SERVICES/FORMS FOOD, FOOD SAFETY & CONSUMER PROTECTION INSPECTION & GRADING SERVICES LOCALITIES MARKETING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MARKETS & FINANCE MEDIA PESTICIDES PLANT, PEST, FEED, FERTILIZER & SEED SERVICES & FORMS Resources for New and Beginning Farmers The following list of public resources has been curated to assist new and beginning farmers and ranchers in establishing their operations. As each operation is different, new farmers and ranchers should check with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) and their local government to ensure they are following all laws and regulations prior to beginning operations. Conservation Farmland Information Center - Protection and Stewardship USDA Farm Service Agency - Conservation Programs USDA Farmers.gov - Conservation at Work USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service VDACS - Farmland Preservation Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation Soil and Water Conservation Virginia Outdoors Foundation - Protecting Farm and Forest Land Farm Safety AgriSafe VDACS Farmer Stress Virginia Tech - Farm Safety/Stress Financial Resources Quick Reference Guide of Financial Resources for Agriculture and Forestry Businesses USDA Farm Service Agency (Farm Ownership, Farm Storage Facilities, Farm Operating) USDA Farmers.gov - Farm Loan Discovery USDA Rural Development - Business and Industry Loan VDACS - Agriculture and Forestry Development Farm Planning/Technical Assistance AgPlan - Business Planning App USDA Farmers.gov - How to Start a Farm USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services - Soil Survey VAFAIRS - Technical Information VDACS - Agency Directory VDACS - Animal Health VDACS - Domestic Marketing and Promotions VDACS - Pesticides VDACS - Produce Safety Virginia Cooperative Extension Virginia Farm Link Virginia Grown - Register Your Business Virginia State University - Small Farm Outreach Program Virginia Tech - A Taste of Farming video series Virginia Tech - Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coalition Virginia Tech - Farm Planning Virginia Tourism Corporation - Agritourism Marketing Program