Governor Youngkin announced over $280,000 in grants to strengthen Virginia agriculture
Virginia – Governor Glenn Youngkin has recently announced significant financial support of over $280,000 in grant awards aimed at bolstering local food systems and agricultural operations across ten Virginia counties and cities. This announcement coincides with Virginia Agriculture Week, emphasizing the critical role of the agriculture sector in stimulating economic growth and addressing food insecurity within the state.
Supporting Local Agriculture and Food Security
Governor Youngkin expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative during the announcement: “I’m pleased to support the crucial work in our local farming communities through the AFID program, and Virginia Agriculture Week is the perfect time to celebrate these projects,” he stated. This support highlights the administration’s commitment to enhancing the agricultural framework which stands as the largest private industry in the Commonwealth.
Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr added, “The food and agriculture sector offers key solutions for increasing access to nutritious foods and is a central component for eliminating hunger in Virginia. In addition to improving local food accessibility, these grant awards strengthen each locality’s ability to attract and support small and mid-scale agricultural operations.”
The grants were allocated through the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund Infrastructure Grant Program, which offers competitive matching grants. These grants aim to support strategic infrastructure investments that help small-scale farmers and food producers grow and enhance their operations.
Detailed Breakdown of Grant Recipients
- Washington County: Received $50,000 to assist Anderson and Sons Meat Processing in purchasing new equipment to expand capacity and potentially double production.
- Shenandoah County: Awarded $12,300 to help Corner Market Farm to Table construct a new farmer’s market pavilion, providing space for small agricultural businesses and hosting educational events.
- Smyth County: Granted $20,000 to support the expansion of Waller Dairy, a first-generation, Grade A dairy farm increasing its processing capacity.
- Prince Edward County: Allocated $28,000 to upgrade and modernize essential food processing equipment at Prince Edward Cannery and Virginia Food Works, a nonprofit helping local food entrepreneurs produce value-added products.
- Louisa County: Received $17,650 to enhance freezer and refrigerator capacities at Century Farm Market, connecting consumers with locally sourced products.
- Albemarle and Fluvanna Counties: Benefited from a $26,000 grant aiding Siller Pollinator Company, LLC, in creating a mobile honey processing facility to support local beekeepers.
- Franklin County: Secured $50,000 for essential equipment upgrades and facility repairs at Callaway Community Cannery and Glade Hill Community Cannery.
- City of Buena Vista: Granted $50,000 for equipment purchases for the Virginia Innovation Accelerator Commercial Kitchen, a new business incubator focused on agricultural innovation.
Additionally, a notable AFID Planning Grant of $30,000 was announced for Fairfax County and the City of Fairfax. This grant, matched by local funds and an in-kind contribution from the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District (NVSWCD), will support the Urban Ag Roadmap Work Group. This group aims to develop a plan that identifies and mitigates barriers to food system resilience through urban agriculture.
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which administers both the AFID Infrastructure and Planning Grant Programs, has set the next application period for the infrastructure grants from October 1 through November 15, 2024. Planning grant applications are accepted continuously.
This strategic funding underscores Virginia’s proactive approach to fostering a sustainable agricultural sector that not only supports local economies but also addresses crucial issues such as food accessibility and hunger.
