As established in the Code of Virginia, the Virginia Century Farm Program recognizes and honors those farms that have been in operation for at least 100 consecutive years and the generations of Virginia farm families whose diligent and dedicated efforts have maintained these farms, provided nourishment to their fellow citizens and contributed so greatly to the economy of the Commonwealth.
In recognition of their designation as a Virginia Century Farm, families receive a certificate signed by the Governor and a sign appropriate for outdoor display. In addition, the name of the farm and its owners is listed on this site.
Completed applications can be sent via mail or email to:
Office of Working Lands Preservation
Virginia Department of Forestry
900 Natural Resources Drive, Suite 800
Charlottesville, VA 22903
conservation@dof.virginia.gov
Please see the application below.
Application
These 1,580 farms have been recognized as Virginia Century Farms. The information is listed by locality, and includes the farm name and the farm owners when the Century Farm recognition originally was bestowed.
A farm must meet the criteria determined by the Virginia General Assembly to be certified as a Virginia Century Farm:
- It must have been owned by the same family for at least 100 consecutive years;
- It must be lived on or actually farmed by a descendent of the original owner; and
- It must gross over $2,500 annually from the sale of farm products.
Prior to July 1, 2016, at the discretion of the Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, a farm that did not gross over $2,500 annually, but was being used for a bona fide silvicultural purpose (growing, tending or protecting trees for the purpose of eventually producing income or financial benefit), could be recognized under the Century Farm Program. This silviculture option for the Century Farm program has been replaced by the Virginia Century Forest program.
As established in the Code of Virginia, the Virginia Century Forest Program recognizes and honors forest landowners whose property have been in operation for at least 100 consecutive years and the generations of Virginia farm families whose diligent and dedicated efforts have maintained their land with at least 20 contiguous acres of managed forest.
Century Farm Program applicants who no longer qualify and previous Century Farm Program recipients may now qualify for the Century Forest Program. Please contact the Virginia Department of Forestry for more information.
Contact
Office of Working Lands Preservation
434-220-9021
conservation@dof.virginia.gov