The Office of Agriculture and Forestry Development Services promotes economic development within Virginia‘s agriculture sector. This office serves as the first point of contact for agriculture and forestry businesses considering locating in Virginia or expanding within the state.
Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) project managers are available to assist with your agribusiness needs and enhance your opportunities for success in the Commonwealth. These experienced professionals can contribute at every stage, from business concept and site selection to the grand opening celebration. The VDACS team excels at helping entrepreneurs and expanding agribusiness companies navigate local, state and federal business assistance resources, as well as industry-specific partnerships.
Chapter 956 of the 2020 Acts of Assembly established the Virginia Food Access Investment Fund and Program to provide funding for the construction, rehabilitation, equipment upgrades, or expansion of grocery stores, small food retailers, and innovative food retail projects, defined in the bill, in underserved communities. Additionally, it requires VDACS to convene a Work Group to develop recommendations for design elements for the Program, including the selection of a community development financial institution. If you have questions regarding this Work Group, please contact Jennifer Perkins, Project Manager, Office of Agriculture and Forestry Development, at jennifer.perkins@vdacs.virginia.gov.
Below are links to the Work Group’s agendas, minutes, and meeting recordings.
- July 30, 2020, 10:00 a.m.
- August 12, 2020, 10:00 a.m.
- August 27, 2020, 10:00 a.m.
- September 10, 2020
- November 19, 2020
Contacts
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