Education & Resources
The Agricultural Development Department provides educational opportunities and resources to support Fauquier County’s agricultural community. From workshops and training to grant assistance and business development, we connect farmers and producers with valuable tools for success. Through partnerships with extension services and local organizations, we promote lifelong learning, conservation, and sustainable farming practices while promoting farm businesses.
Connect with County Experts:
- Agricultural Advisory Committee: Promotes the agricultural industry in Fauquier County while providing advice and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors on matters affecting the agricultural economy and development.
- Community Development: Assists with Planning, Zoning, & Permits. Phone: 540-422-8200.
- Commissioner of Revenue: Assists with land use tax relief, business taxation, and state income. Phone: 540-422-8149.
- John Marshall Soil & Water Conservation District: Assists with conservation practices like cover cropping, fencing, and buffer planting. Offers funding through the Virginia BMP Cost-Share Program. Phone: 540-422-8490.
- VA Cooperative Extension: Offers educational programs and technical assistance for new and experienced farmers. Connects farmers with resources and provides transition support. Phone: 540-422-8250.
- Fauquier Education Farm: Provides hands-on learning, mentoring, land access, and technical support through its Incubator Program. Hosts workshops and partners with the Northern Piedmont Beginning Farmer and Rancher Program. Phone: 540-336-4338.
- Farm Bureau: Provides strong advocacy, community programs, and trusted insurance services. Phone: 540-347-3172.
- Farm Credit of the Virginias: Offers financial services and planning support to help farmers grow and invest. Phone: 540-347-3344.
Connect with State Experts:
- Building a Sustainable Business: A SARE resource for developing sustainable farm business plans.
- Perilla Mint – Harmful to Animals: Learn to identify and manage this toxic plant affecting livestock.
- USDA Protection & Recovery: Offers disaster assistance and crop insurance to help offset losses.
- USDA Statistics – Virginia: Access Virginia-specific agricultural data from USDA NASS.
- Virginia Outdoors Foundation: Conserves open space through easements and land stewardship.
- VDACS Warrenton Animal Health Laboratory Services: Provides animal diagnostics including necropsies, pathology, and molecular testing. Located at 272 Academy Hill Rd, Warrenton, VA 20186. Phone: 540-316-6543.
- Virginia Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services (VDACS): Supports Virginia agriculture, ensures food safety, and promotes economic growth. Phone: 804-786-3501.
- Virginia Cooperative Extension: Offers educational outreach in agriculture, natural resources, and community development.
- Virginia Dept. of Forestry: Manages and protects forests to ensure healthy ecosystems and sustainable land practices. Phone: 540-347-6358.
- USDA National Agricultural Library: One of the world’s largest agricultural information repositories.
- USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA): Provides support to farmers and ranchers through various programs, including loan programs, disaster assistance, conservation initiatives, and commodity price support. Phone: 540-347-4402.
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS): Offers financial and technical assistance to private landowners, particularly farmers and ranchers, to help them protect and improve their natural resources, including soil, water, and land. Phone: 540-422-4402.
Other Relevant Resources:
- Building a Sustainable Business: A guide to develop a business plan for farms and rural businesses from SARE.
- USDA Statistics: Access Virginia-specific agricultural data from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service.
- Piedmont Environmental Council: Protects and restores lands and waters in the Virginia Piedmont while promoting sustainable communities.
- Virginia Outdoors Foundation: Promotes the preservation of open space land across the Commonwealth.
- Resources for Virginia Farm Link: Provides education and tools for farm transition, succession, and farmland matching.
- Resources for New & Beginning Farmers: Public resources from VDACS to help new farmers start and grow their operations.
- Virginia Century Farm: Recognizes farms that have been in operation for over 100 years and honors the families who have sustained them. Apply online.
- AgrAbility: Promotes safety, wellness, and accessibility on farms through education, rehabilitation, and assistive technology.
- AgriStress Helpline: A free and confidential 24/7 crisis and support line for farmers. Call or text 833-897-2474. Services available in multiple languages.
- Virginia SOIL Health Coalition: Through the Virginia Farmer Mentoring Program, the coalition works to strengthen, support and collaborate networks that improve and expands soil health across Virginia.
- Farm Succession Planning: Your Complete Guide | Farm Bureau Financial Services: Farm Bureau provides a complete guide to farm succession.
- Farm and Ranch Succession and Estate Planning | Center for Agricultural Profitability: The Center of Agricultural Profitability provides farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness professionals with the tools, resources, and education necessary to navigate succession, transition and estate planning.
- Land As Your Legacy: Nationwide provides a transition checklist for farmers and ranchers.
- Virginia Magazine – Farm Flavor: A guide to Virginia’s farms, forests, food and exports. Virginia Agriculture is published in partnership with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. It features stories about VA’s top crops, livestock, agribusiness, tourism, food safety, and local products.
Archived Documents:
- 1998 Farmland Study: A historical review of farmland trends and preservation strategies.
- Virginia Association of Counties 2006 Achievement Award: Award presented to Fauquier County for innovative local government programs.
- Regional Food Port Feasibility: A feasibility study assessing the potential for a regional food distribution hub.
- Impact of Agriculture Study: A report detailing the economic and social impact of agriculture in Fauquier County.
Updates for farmers
VDACS Century Farm Program
The Virginia Century Farm Program recognizes and honors those farms that have been in operation for at least 100 consecutive years and the generations of Virginia farm families whose...
Youth Ag with the 4H Program
The Fauquier County 4-H Youth Agriculture Program offers hands-on learning experiences for young people interested in agriculture, animal science, and leadership development. It provides educational opportunities through projects, events, and mentorship, helping youth build skills and a strong connection to the agricultural community.