Local farmers have access to a new round of funding—plus technical assistance—for agricultural best management practices that conserve soil and water, according to a release from the Tidewater Soil and Water Conservation District. Through the Virginia Agricultural Best Management Practices Cost-Share Program, or VACS, a farmer can apply for up to $300,000 to support the cost of practices that keep nutrients, sediment and waste out of streams and rivers. These practices can also help boost farm productivity and profitability. The Tidewater Soil and Water Conservation District manages the VACS program in Gloucester, Mathews and Middlesex counties, providing technical recommendations and distributing funds. More than 60 best management practices are eligible for VACS funding, including cover crops (keeps living roots in the soil year-round to prevent erosion; also scavenges unused nutrients and makes them available to the next season’s crop); continuous no-till (improves long-term soil qu...