Agricultural and Forestal District Program

The Agricultural and Forestal District Program (Ag District Program) was formed in 1979 under State enabling legislation. The State Code of Virginia characterizes the purpose of an Agricultural District Program as a means to “conserve, protect, and encourage the development and improvement of agricultural and forestal lands for the production of food and other agricultural and forestal products, and conserve and protect agricultural and forestal lands as valued natural and ecological resources which provide essential open spaces for clean air sheds, as well as for aesthetic purposes”.

Loudoun County supports these goals and is committed to working with district landowners to preserve the rural and agricultural character of the County. For more information regarding the Ag District Program call 703-777-0426.

The Agricultural and Forestal District Committee is charged with recommending applicants for membership into an Ag District.  The Committee reviews all applications based on the following criteria, established by the Agricultural District Advisory Committee and Board of Supervisors.

• Applications for geographically eligible parcels of less than 20 acres meet the requirements for inclusion in an Ag District by filing a forest management and/or land management plan. The management plan is an agreement to achieve agricultural, forestal or environmental stewardship use. Visit Virginia Department of Forestry website for information regarding forest management plans or the Loudoun County Soil and Water Conservation District website for information concerning land conservation plans. Download recommended contact list for Forest Management/Land Conservation Plans (pdf).
• Applications for geographically eligible parcels greater than 20 acres must include a description, prepared by the landowner, of the activities that constitute agricultural, forestal or environmental stewardship use to meet the requirements for inclusion in an Ag District.