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News Release

October 6, 2025

EPA and Virginia Agriculture Forge First-Ever Memorandum of Understanding

Contact Information

Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service (Michael.Wallace@vdacs.virginia.gov)

EPA Region 3 (R3Press@epa.gov)

PHILADELPHIA (October 6, 2025) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 3 (EPA) and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) announced the first-ever signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize their partnership and expand their collaborative activities related to agricultural practices that benefit the environment, regulatory and compliance programs, outreach, training, communication, and education.

“Establishing a strong relationship with our state regulators is a win for all farmers and ranchers. 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,” said EPA Senior Advisor for Agricultural and Rural Affairs Turner Bridgforth.

“This marks a new chapter for partnership between EPA and the Commonwealth to protect Virginia’s environment and help its agricultural economy thrive,” said EPA Regional Administrator Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey. “I look forward to strengthening our collaboration under this agreement.”

The five-year agreement emphasizes a shared commitment between EPA and VDACS to well-managed, sustainable farms that produce food for local communities and a clean environment for everyone to enjoy.

"We are happy to partner with the EPA to develop solutions for environmental protection and to keep Virginia agriculture productive," said VDACS Commissioner Joseph Guthrie. “By entering into this agreement with the EPA, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is reaffirming our commitment to Virginia farmers and agribusinesses by working together to strengthen the Commonwealth's agricultural community."

Today, the Virginia Farm Bureau (VFB) hosted EPA and VDACS for a roundtable discussion with Virginia agriculture and forestry industry leaders and stakeholders at their offices in Richmond.

“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. “It is important for farmers and foresters to have their questions answered, their input considered, and the door opened for future dialogue.”

About the Memorandum of Understanding

The MOU outlines shared goals and activities to strengthen relations and outcomes for EPA and VDACS:

  • Increase state-federal collaboration by participating in organized meetings, sharing updates, and communicating about program activities.
  • Encourage honest and recurring discussions between EPA and the agriculture community by participating in roundtables, farm tours, and events.
  • Recognize, measure, and promote environmental stewardship by documenting and sharing agriculture best practices and case studies with farmers.
  • Enhance regulatory compliance and improve water quality by participating in joint trainings and program assessments and refining communications on compliance and enforcement activities.

EPA and VDACS will produce an annual report to highlight collective achievements realized under the MOU and to outline plans for the coming year.

Photos and b-roll of this event are available on the EPA Mid-Atlantic Region Flickr Album. Please attribute any images used to “EPA Mid-Atlantic Region.”

About EPA

EPA’s Office of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (OARA) serves as the primary liaison between rural and agricultural stakeholders and the agency. OARA works closely with EPA Region 3 to forge practical, science-based solutions that protect the environment while ensuring a vibrant and productive agricultural system.

EPA Region 3 serves Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and seven federally recognized Tribes. The agency is currently updating similar agreements with other states in Region 3.

Follow EPA Region 3 on Instagram, X, and Facebook.

About VDACS

Established in 1877, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) promotes the economic growth and development of Virginia agriculture, provides consumer protection and encourages environmental stewardship. The agency is headquartered in Richmond, Va. and has several field offices, four regional animal health laboratories, and a global network of representatives promoting Virginia products internationally.

Follow VDACS on Instagram, X, and Facebook. For more information about VDACS, visit https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/index.shtml.