First-Ever Agreement Expands Collaboration on Sustainable Farming and Environmental Protection

EPA Region 3 and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services have signed a landmark agreement to strengthen collaboration on sustainable farming, environmental protection, regulatory programs, and water quality initiatives.

• By Stasia DeMarco
• October 06, 2025

The EPA’s Mid-Atlantic office and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services have signed a first-of-its-kind Memorandum of Understanding to formalize their partnership and expand collaboration on sustainable agricultural practices, regulatory programs, outreach, and education.

The five-year agreement aims to support well-managed, sustainable farms while protecting Virginia’s environment. EPA Region 3 Regional Administrator Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey and VDACS Commissioner Joseph Guthrie signed the memorandum, which outlines shared goals to improve communication, enhance regulatory compliance, and promote environmental stewardship.

“Establishing a strong relationship with our state regulators is a win for all farmers and ranchers,” said Turner Bridgforth, EPA’s senior advisor for agricultural and rural affairs. “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.”

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

Guthrie said the agreement reaffirms the state’s commitment to farmers and agribusinesses by working together to strengthen Virginia’s agricultural community.

The signing was followed by a roundtable discussion hosted by the Virginia Farm Bureau in Richmond with EPA, VDACS, and leaders from the state’s agriculture and forestry sectors.

“Virginia Farm Bureau appreciates EPA seeking farmers’ and foresters’ perspectives when it comes to requirements impacting the No. 1 industry in the commonwealth,” said VFB President Scott Sink. “Farmers and foresters need to have their questions answered, their input considered, and the door opened for future dialogue.”

The MOU includes plans to increase state–federal collaboration through regular meetings and communication, encourage discussions with the agriculture community through roundtables and farm tours, document and share best practices, and improve water quality through joint training and compliance initiatives. EPA and VDACS will produce annual reports highlighting their achievements and plans under the agreement.