2026 News Releases
All news releases sent from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS).
September
VDACS
Accepting Blue Catfish Processing, Flash Freezing,
and Infrastructure Grants Applications Through October 30
Grants support infrastructure development projects that expand commercial fishing and processing of
invasive Blue Catfish
Application Period Opens for
AFID Infrastructure Grant Program
Grant applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Oct. 30, 2026
VDACS
Breaks Ground on Expansion Across Three Regional Animal Health Laboratories
Harrisonburg, Lynchburg, and Warrenton Regional Animal Health Laboratories will continue operations
while expansion work progresses
August
Harvest Season for Wild
Ginseng Begins September 1
Review regulations to participate in harvesting Sept. 1 – Dec. 31
VDACS Now Accepting
Applications For Beehive Distribution Program
Virginia residents aged 18 and older can apply to receive free beehives
VDACS
Announces 2026 Pesticide Collection Program Dates and Collection Sites
Farmers and firms in Northeast Virginia can drop off unused pesticides
An
Additional 40 Virginia Localities Receive USDA Drought Disaster Designations
All Virginia counties have received a USDA Drought Disaster Designation which enables farmers in
these counties to apply for emergency assistance
July
Large Animal Veterinary
Grants Support Livestock Care in Virginia
Second year of grant funding approved by General Assembly
VDACS Provides Resource Information For Virginia Farmers Impacted By Ongoing
Drought
Farmers in USDA designated disaster areas should contact their Farm Service Agency office to
determine emergency assistance eligibility
Virginia's New
Marijuana and Hemp Laws: What You Need to Know
Virginia Cannabis Control Authority announces highlights from the 2026 General Assembly
Session
June
VDACS Advises Livestock Producers and Animal Owners to Inspect Animals Regularly for New
World Screwworm
Pest remains in southern border states, Virginia animal entry requirements are unchanged
Celebrate Virginia Farmers and Buy Local During Virginia Agriculture Week
Public encouraged to thank the Commonwealth’s farmers and purchase local agricultural
products
Virginia Farmers Should Prepare Now For Atlantic Hurricane Season
Taking proactive steps now helps protect farms and livestock as Atlantic Hurricane season
begins.
May
USDA Designates an Additional 24 Virginia Localities as
Drought Disaster Areas
Farmers in designated disaster areas have eight months to apply for emergency assistance
April
USDA Designates 24
Virginia Localities as Drought Disaster Areas
Farmers in designated disaster areas have eight months to apply for emergency assistance
VDACS Now
Accepting Applications for Virginia Agriculture Food Assistance Program
Charitable food assistance organizations must submit application by May 5, 2026
March
Virginia
Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services to Meet in Richmond on March 26
VDACS Opens AFID
Infrastructure Grant Program’s Spring Application Period
Grant applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on April 30, 2026
VDACS
Launches New Platform for Online Registration of Charitable Organizations
Online system provides greater access and transparency for organizations and the public
Celebrate National Consumer Protection Week and the Professionals that Protect Virginia Consumers
January
New
Virginia Agriculture and Forestry Leadership Begin Service to Commonwealth’s Producers
Priorities include maximizing trade opportunities, expanding market access, investing in rural
economic development, and conservation of farmland and working forests
Governor
Glenn Youngkin Announces Eleven AFID Infrastructure Grants to Support Local Food Systems
$390,000 awarded to projects expanding capacity for local producers and access for
communities
Virginia
Dairy Producer Margin Coverage Premium Assistance Program Now Accepting Applications
Program reimburses annual premium payment for federal Dairy Margin Coverage