Alliance to Advance Climate-Smart Agriculture receives extension, expands enrollment
With 1,800 farms and 475,000 acres enrolled, the program gains time to deepen impact and broaden access for producers.
A Virginia Tech-led initiative helping farmers adopt climate-smart practices will continue through 2027 after receiving a one-year extension from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The $80 million Alliance to Advance Climate-Smart Agriculture provides financial incentives and technical support to help producers implement conservation practices that improve soil health, strengthen water retention, and reduce environmental impacts. The extension allows the multi-state program to continue enrolling farmers and measuring outcomes across its growing network.
Since launching in 2023, the alliance has expanded rapidly, with more than 1,800 farms and 475,000 acres enrolled across four states. In April 2025, the program was approved to continue under the USDA’s Advancing Markets for Producers initiative — one of roughly 10 percent of projects nationwide selected to move forward following a federal funding pause.
In November 2025, the USDA granted a one-year, no-cost extension through September 2027, providing time to complete ongoing practice implementation, expand enrollment, and conduct a more comprehensive analysis of environmental and economic outcomes. For producers, the extension means continued access to incentives, technical assistance, and market development support.
Support when farmers need it the most
For Shannon Ellis, a cattle farmer in Virginia, the program arrived at a critical time.
“It is a challenging time in the agricultural economy, and the alliance has been a game changer,” Ellis said. “Many farmers want to implement these practices but lack financial support to do so. Because of the alliance, I was able to complete a nutrient management plan and invest in fertilizer for my hay and pastureland much sooner than would have been possible. It’s helped us protect our land and strengthen our operation.”
This sentiment is echoed across the alliance's four-state footprint. By removing the financial barriers to entry, Virginia Tech is helping farmers build resilience against extreme weather while improving soil structure and water retention — benefits that will serve these communities for generations.
“The extension gives us the opportunity to build on the strong foundation producers and partners have established,” said Tom Thompson, associate dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech and the alliance’s principal investigator. “It ensures we can fully evaluate the environmental and economic benefits of conservation practices.”
The extension creates additional enrollment periods in Arkansas and Virginia and opens a concurrent opportunity specifically for livestock producers in Virginia.
Expanding options for livestock producers
A significant milestone this past year was the launch of the livestock subpilot, designed to help livestock producers in Virginia and Minnesota implement high-cost, high-impact conservation practices such as Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans.
These plans guide the proper amount, form, placement, timing, and application of nutrients — including animal manure, commercial fertilizers, and biosolids — to maintain soil productivity, optimize yields, and reduce negative environmental impacts. With $4 million allocated for direct producer payments, the subpilot has enrolled 44 livestock operations to date.
“The alliance is one of the more exciting opportunities to obtain funding to support the risks associated with adopting new types of management,” said Robin White, professor at the Virginia Tech School of Animal Sciences and lead researcher for the livestock subpilot. “It is a compelling opportunity to take a lot of what we do at the university and translate that into practice on the farm.”
Enrollment opportunities
The Alliance to Advance Climate-Smart Agriculture is expanding opportunities for producers to participate in 2026, with enrollment open April 1–30 in both Arkansas and Virginia. In Arkansas, producers in Cross, Drew, Jefferson, Lincoln, Lonoke, Prairie, and St. Francis counties are eligible to apply. Details and application information are available at www.allianceforcsa.org/partners/arkansas.
In Virginia, the program is expanding in 2026, offering producers multiple pathways to participate. Through the general program, producers may implement nutrient management, grazing management (formerly prescribed grazing), or pasture and hay planting on up to 120 acres, with payments of $100 per acre. Producers seeking a more comprehensive approach may apply to the pasture renovation subpilot, which supports implementation of all three practices on up to 50 acres, with payments of $300 per acre.
Applications for both Virginia programs are now open through May 31. Producers who submit complete applications by April 30 will be included in the initial selection on May 1, with notifications expected by mid-May. Learn more about the extension and next steps for incomplete applications at www.allianceforcsa.org/virginia.
