Virginia has both rich agricultural history and widely diverse geographical regions (6 major soil associations, 6 distinct climatic zones, 5 general agricultural production areas) which are described below. The Virginia Geographic Information System provides detailed information on soil types, water, and other factors for 70 counties, and is continuing to gather information with the goal of mapping the entire state. This information is available to local government agencies and is used in planning and management of natural resources.

Farm lands (approximately 8.7 million acres) support Virginia livestock and agricultural products. Forest lands (15.2 million acres) support important wood-based industries as well as hunting, fishing and other forest recreation. Wetlands comprise approximately 350 thousand acres and are impacted directly by agricultural and forest activities.

	Agricultural Production Regions Western Virginia Shenandoah Valley Southern Piedmont Northern Piedmont Eastern Virginia
	Soil Associations Appalachian Ridges and Valleys Blue Ridge Mountains Southern Piedmont Northern Piedmont Costal Plain Lower Costal Plain
	Climatic Zones Southwestern Mountain Central Mountain Western Piedmont Northern Eastern Piedmont Tidewater