Section 62.1-44.119:2 of the Code of Virginia directs the Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry and the Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources to convene a stakeholder advisory group (Group) that reviews “annual progress and make recommendations towards the implementation of the Commonwealth’s agricultural commitments" in the Phase III Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP). The second enactment clause of Chapters 735 and 736 requires the Group to submit the first annual report on July 1, 2024. The third enactment clause requires

“the Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry and the Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources shall, no later than August 1, 2025, jointly review the July 1, 2025, report of the Group established by the second enactment of this act as well as other relevant information at their disposal and together determine in their judgment whether work accomplished to date as well as planning and resource allocation are sufficient to substantially reach the allocated goals by July 1, 2028, and whether additional initiatives or resources or both will be necessary to continue an incentive-based effort."

Over the last year, the Group has prioritized the continued implementation of the recommended strategies, coordinating efforts with partners to increase producer participation in the voluntary initiatives, and collaborating with Virginia Cooperative Extension to develop a survey to capture data related to the implementation of best management practices carried out at the producer’s own expense.

Priorities for next progress report

Over the next year, the Group will continue to discuss ways to encourage and expedite the development of nutrient management plans for producers and to increase the implementation rates of livestock stream exclusion practices. The recommendations developed during these discussions will provide additional direction and guidance to ensure the Commonwealth meets its WIP commitments.

The Group will also focus on closely examining the existing programs and incentives currently being implemented. Offering increased financial incentives for all livestock stream exclusion practices, such as providing 100 percent of the cost to install those practices, could be considered. Providing additional funding for continued conservation initiative practices (CCIs) may also be an option to assist producers with maintaining exclusion practices. Other topics to be discussed include supply chain investment and how to incentivize and develop new partnerships to assist producers, as well as encouraging new innovative strategies.