AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES (AFDS)

AFDS should be your first point of contact when starting a new ag- or forestry-based business in Virginia and will help you get the assistance you need at every step in the process. 

Contact us to get started today.

These include:

• Help accessing appropriate business plan preparation resources
• Sharing their knowledge and experience in the agriculture and forestry industry to identify important challenges and opportunities the new business may face
• Connect agricultural businesses with the appropriate department resources, such as such as Food Safety and Inspections or Marketing
• Helping to identify potential regulatory barriers and who to work with to address them
• Provide information and introductions to sources of public and private sector financing resources
• Assisting with site selection by providing industry specific information on infrastructure, workforce, environmental regulations and other critical issues
• Serving as ombudsmen to the localities where the business development is planned
• Work closely with our partners at the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, local and regional economic development offices, and other agencies to ensure they are also engaged with the project
• Assist with grand opening/ribbon cutting event planning, including invitation design and mailing, program development and printing, involving appropriate government officials, and coordinating media coverage