Virginia Century Farm Program: 100+ Years of Agricultural Legacy
The Virginia Century Farm Program celebrates farms that have been in continuous operation by the same family for at least 100 years. The Century Farm Program recognizes the hard work and dedication of generations of Virginia farm families who have sustained their land, provided food for their communities, and contributed to the Commonwealth’s economy.
Families receiving the Century Farm designation are awarded a certificate signed by the Governor and an outdoor display sign. In addition, each farm and its owner are proudly listed on the official website of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS).
Century Farm Eligibility Requirements
To be certified as a Virginia Century Farm, a property must meet the following criteria as established by the Code of Virginia:
- A farm shall have been owned by the same family for at least 100 consecutive years.
- A farm shall be lived on, or farmed, by a descendant of the original owners.
- A farm shall gross more than $2,500 annually from the sale of farm products.
How To Apply
Interested families can follow these steps to apply for the Century Farm designation:
Step 1: Download and Complete the Century Farm Application
Step 2: Submit your application in one of two ways:
- By Email (preferred):
- Send to: joyce.blankenship@vdacs.virginia.gov
- Subject Line: Century Farm Application
- Attach your completed application in PDF format
- By Mail:
- Office of Agriculture and Forestry Development
Virginia Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services
102 Governor Street
Richmond, VA 23219
The application includes full guidelines on eligibility, the review process, and instructions for obtaining replacement signs if needed.
Program Fees
- Application Fee: $0.00 (There is no charge to apply.)
- Replacement or Additional Signs: $25.00
Checks should be made payable to the Treasurer of Virginia and mailed to the address above.
Century Farms & Owners
To date, 1,610 farms have been designated as Virginia Century Farms. These farms are listed by locality and include the name of the farm and the owner(s) at the time of designation.
Virginia Century Forest Program
Before July 1, 2016, the Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services had the discretion to recognize farms earning less than $2,500 annually under the Century Farm Program, provided the property was used for a bona fide silvicultural purpose—such as growing, tending, or protecting trees for eventual financial gain. This silviculture provision has since been replaced by the Virginia Century Forest Program.
Established under the Code of Virginia, the Virginia Century Forest and Farm Programs honors forest landowners whose property has been in continuous operation for at least 100 years and includes a minimum of 20 contiguous acres of managed forest. It also celebrates the generations of Virginia families who have responsibly maintained their forest land.
Applicants who no longer qualify for the Century Farm Program, as well as past recipients, may now be eligible for the Century Forest Program.
For more information, contact the Virginia Department of Forestry.
Contact
For questions about the Virginia Century Farm Program, please contact:
Joyce Blankenship, Program Manager
Office of Agriculture and Forestry Development
Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
102 Governor Street
Richmond, VA 23219
804.786.1906
joyce.blankenship@vdacs.virginia.gov
