In 2010, VDACS formally established the Virginia Agricultural Development Officers (VADO)
group in an effort to support agriculture- and forestry-focused economic development
activities at all levels across the Commonwealth: state, regional, and local. The VADO
group typically meets three times annually at locations across the Commonwealth. VADO
provides excellent networking and professional development opportunities for those
interested in learning more about Commonwealth’s first and third largest private
industries: agriculture and forestry.
Following the General Assembly session, VADO members gather in Richmond to hear from the
Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry and the VDACS Commissioner on new legislation at
the state and federal level, tools available for local governments to support
agriculture and forestry businesses, and to discuss industry trends.
During the Summer meeting, VADO members are invited to participate in a one-day field
trip with a specific focus and discussions on a particular of agribusiness sector. Past
trips have included a forestry-focused meeting at a sawmill, an overview of craft
beverage issues at a cidery, and a visit Virginia Tech’s Food Innovation Center.
The Fall VADO event is a multi-day conference held in conjunction with the Maryland
Agriculture Marketing Professionals group. The two groups alternate years hosting this
conference, which consists of three days of farm and agribusiness tours,
agriculture-focused panels, and professional networking and resource-sharing.
Participation in VADO is free and open to all economic development professionals with an
interest in the Commonwealth’s agriculture and forestry industries. To be added to our
mailing list contact Rachel.Meyers@vdacs.virginia.gov.
Past Agendas
Upcoming Events
Rachel Meyers, Program Manager, Office of Agriculture and Forestry Development
804-786-6911
Rachel.Meyers@vdacs.virginia.gov