Virginia General Program

Getting started is simple. Follow the steps below to complete your application through the Alliance Dashboard:

1. Create an account on the Alliance Dashboard
2. Fill out the Producer Application
3. Upload the following documents:
   • Farm maps
   • Current federal fiscal year Subsidiary Print
   • W-9 form for the individual or entity listed in your application
4. Submit your application

View sample documents and other guidance here.

After You Apply

Once you apply:

• Your application is reviewed for eligibility and accuracy
• You’ll be contacted if anything needs to be updated
• Applications typically take about 30 days after the deadline for decisions

Note: Applications can’t be edited while under review—reach out if you need help making a change.

Application Review Process

Each application is carefully reviewed to ensure all information is complete and consistent.

During review, we will check that:

• Your application matches your farm maps, Subsidiary Print, and W-9

If something needs to be corrected:

• Your application will be returned to you with guidance on what needs to be updated
• You will receive an email notification
• The relevant section will reopen in your dashboard so you can make edits and resubmit

Once your application is approved, it will move forward into a randomized selection process run by the Virginia Tech Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics.

Enrollment Decisions

• Selected producers will be notified within 30 days after the application deadline
• If selected, you will have 7 days to accept or decline the offer

If you choose not to enroll:

• Your application will be closed
• Your information will not be shared

What to Expect After Selection

If you are selected to participate, a few next steps will appear in your dashboard to help you get started. These steps are designed to guide you through enrollment and set you up for success in the program.

First Steps

Please complete the following items to move forward:

Confirmation of Enrollment

• Accept or decline your offer to enroll
• Review and acknowledge the terms and conditions of your selected practice

CPA-52 Environmental Evaluation (No Action Required)

• A CPA-52 Environmental Evaluation is required for each enrolled practice
• The Alliance team will complete and submit this on your behalf
• Once approved, it will be uploaded to your dashboard

These steps must be completed before additional tasks become available.

Next Steps

Once the above items are complete, you will be able to access the following:

Producer Agreement

• This agreement outlines your responsibilities for implementing practices and reporting data
• Your contract begins once the agreement is signed
• Please review carefully — agreements cannot be changed after signing
• If updates are needed (such as changes to practices or FSA information), you will need to contact the Alliance team for assistance

Practice Worksheet

• This worksheet will become available after your agreement is signed
• It is due six months into your contract period
• You may begin working on it at any time
• Completion of this worksheet is required to receive your second payment

Program Surveys

As part of the program, you will also be asked to complete a few short surveys. These help improve the program and demonstrate its impact:

• Program Experience Survey
• Virginia Tech Exit Survey (administered by the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics)
• USDA Marketing Commodities Survey
• Practice Exit Survey

If you have questions at any point, the Alliance team is here to help.

All enrolled producers receive:

• $100 per acre (up to $12,000 per farm)
  • $125 per acre (up to $15,000) for producers who qualify as Limited Resource or Socially Disadvantaged*
• Technical assistance every step of the way—from application through implementation

*Status must be reflected on your Subsidiary Print.

Support Throughout the Program

We’re here to make the process manageable and worthwhile:

• Guidance through enrollment and required steps
• Help completing your practice worksheet (proof of practice implementation)
• Support with required USDA data reporting

Your Conservation Impact Report

• A clear summary of the improvements you’ve made
• Shows how your practices are benefiting soil, water, and your operation
• Helps demonstrate the long-term value of your conservation work

Producers will receive 50% of the payment upfront, 25% after implementation and verification, and 25% after final reporting.

Underserved producers may be eligible for a 100% upfront payment.
All payments will be issued by Virginia Tech.

Payment 1:  50% of total contract amount
The following tasks must be complete to release the first payment:

1. Producer application, including application form, farm map(s), subsidiary print, and W-9 tax form.
2. Confirmation of Enrollment
3. Producer Agreement

Payment 2:  25% of total contract amount
The second payment will be released no earlier than (6) months into the contract.

The following tasks must be complete to release the second payment:

1. Practice Worksheet
2. Completed Spot Check, if selected for one

Payment 3:  25% of total contract amount
The final payment will be released no earlier than (12) months into the contract.

The following tasks must be complete to release the final payment:

1. Program Experience Survey
2. Virginia Tech Exit Survey
3. USDA Exit Survey
4. Practice Exit Survey

The Alliance team is here to help you put conservation into practice—on your farm, and on your terms.

We can support you with:

• Choosing the right conservation practices for your operation
• Completing your Practice Worksheet
• Meeting data reporting requirements, including:
  • COMET-Planner
  • Required program surveys

As part of the program, enrolled producers will complete a few additional data and survey requirements. This helps demonstrate the impact of your conservation work and supports continued investment in agriculture through USDA’s Advancing Markets for Producers initiative.

• Data collection is managed by Virginia Tech
• Requirements vary based on your farm, location, and selected practices

What You May Be Asked to Provide

For Cropland Acres:

• Crop rotations (current and planned)
• Yield information
• Tillage and irrigation practices
• Input applications (fertilizer, etc.)
• Soil sampling results

For Livestock or Grazing Acres:

• Herd information
• Farm maps
• Grazing management details
• Supplemental feeding practices