Showing posts with label AFID. Show all posts
Showing posts with label AFID. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Announces 75 New Jobs in the City of Richmond (Ignore the hundreds lost please)

McAuliffe speaking at Frying Pan Park in Hernd...
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
~Leading Online Grocer Relay Foods to Invest $710,000, Increase Sales of Virginia-Sourced Agricultural Products by $3 Million Over Next Three Years~
RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Relay Foods (www.relayfoods.com) will expand its Richmond fulfillment center to accommodate increased local demand for its products and to support the company’s entry into new markets, including those beyond Virginia.  The company, a leading online grocery store and farmers market, will invest more than $710,000, create 75 new jobs in the City, and increase its Mid-Atlantic sales of Virginia-sourced meats, produce, dairy products, and value-added foods by $3 million over the next three years.  The Commonwealth of Virginia is partnering with the City of Richmond and Relay Foods on this project through the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund (AFID). 
Speaking at the company’s warehouse facility in Richmond about today’s announcement,Governor McAuliffe said, “I am thrilled to announce the second expansion of Relay Foods, a company founded by entrepreneurs with unique and exciting business models.  Relay Foods’ announcement today not only creates quality new job opportunities for residents of Richmond, it strengthens the ties this innovative company has to the Commonwealth.  With this announcement we continue to realize the benefits of fully integrating agriculture and forestry, the state’s largest industries into our strategic economic development platform, helping to build a new Virginia economy.”
Relay Foods seamlessly integrates more than 200 local farmers and artisan, organic, and conventional producers to deliver high quality, local and gourmet foods and groceries directly to customers.  The company offers a unique and powerful resource for small food producers in Virginia trying to access the market by providing ready access to consumers in the Washington, D.C., Richmond and Charlottesville metro areas.  This second expansion will allow the company to further meet the growing demands of its consumers.  In June, the Governor awarded a $50,000 AFID grant to the City of Charlottesville to assist Relay Foods in the expansion of its corporate headquarters and fulfillment center in Charlottesville.
"Relay Foods is not only increasing access to healthful foods, but also strengthening the Virginia agricultural economy,” said First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe.  “I truly believe that innovative companies like these are what it will take to bridge the nutritional divide in Virginia."
“I am pleased to see the continued success of the AFID program working with rural and urban localities, such as Richmond, and businesses such as Relay Foods, a company that is so focused on promoting Virginia’s fresh, locally-sourced agricultural products, to create jobs at its fulfillment center and new revenue streams for our growers,” said Todd Haymore, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry. “This project will allow Relay Foods to enjoy an even wider reach to markets where the exposure of Virginia-grown products will increase and Virginia’s agricultural producers will continue to benefit from new sales opportunities.”
The company, in partnership with Virginia and Richmond, will invest in updates to its primary warehouse, as well as a new warehouse it plans to build in 2016.   The Richmond fulfillment center is the main location for the aggregation, storage, packaging and distribution of all local Virginia meat, cheese and dairy products.   These improvements will strengthen the company’s competitive position in the fast-growing online grocery market.
“I am extremely pleased that Relay Foods has chosen to not only remain in Richmond, but expand their company's operations here,” said Dwight C. Jones, Mayor of Richmond.  “Not only does Relay Foods provide fresh, locally-sourced foods to our residents, it is creating full-time, full-benefit jobs, increasing our tax base, and is proving, by its future plans of action to stay and grow in our city, that Richmond is an excellent choice for a company that relies on a central location and a strong transportation network.”
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) worked with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) and the City of Richmond to secure this expansion for Virginia.   Governor McAuliffe approved a $50,000 grant from the AFID Fund to assist the City of Richmond with the project.  Relay Foods is also committing to purchase at least $406,000 worth of meats, produce, dairy products and other foods from Virginia producers over the next three years.  Through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program, Relay Foods will receive additional funding and services to support its training and retraining activities.
"One key to Relay Foods' success across Virginia has been establishing a network of talented, dedicated local producers in every market we serve," said Arnie Katz, co-founder and President of Relay Foods.  "We look forward to investing this AFID grant in our ongoing efforts to build innovative approaches that connect local Richmond growers and food artisans with enthusiastic customers."
“With agriculture being Virginia’s largest industry, we need to do all we can to facilitate more growth opportunities in this increasingly important economic sector and that’s what we’re doing today, said Senator John Watkins, R-Midlothian.  “Relay Foods is a great example of the type of company my General Assembly colleagues and I envisioned supporting when we approved the creation of the Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund.  Providing economic development opportunities for the City of Richmond and the Commonwealth through their innovative business model and their agricultural producer supply chain is a testament to the success of this tool.”
Delegate Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond, added, “Today’s announcement with Relay Foods is an exciting win for the City of Richmond and the Commonwealth.  In addition to the positive economic impacts this project will bring, this company is a shining example that the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well and can thrive in our region.  It’s also good to see agriculture, which is traditionally viewed as a rural industry, making such a positive impact in a urban setting.”
According to a 2013 economic impact study conducted by the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia, agriculture and forestry are two of Virginia’s largest industries with a combined economic impact of $70 billion annually.  Agriculture generates more than $52 billion per annum, while forestry induces over $17 billion.  The industries also provide more than 400,000 jobs in the Commonwealth.  More information about the Weldon Cooper Center’s study can be found at http://www.dof.virginia.gov/print/econ/2013/weldon-cooper-Economic-Impact-Of-Ag-Forestry-2013.pdf.
About the Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund
The AFID Fund was created during the 2012 session of the General Assembly and is being embraced by the McAuliffe Administration as an important tool in growing the Commonwealth’s agriculture and forestry sector and helping to make Virginia the leading exporter of agricultural and forest products on the East Coast.  More information about the AFID grant, which has the flexibility to assist projects large and small throughout Virginia, can be found at http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/agribusiness/afid.shtml.



Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Announces 25 New Jobs in the City of Charlottesville

Official seal of Charlottesville, Virginia
Official seal of Charlottesville, Virginia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
~Leading Online Grocer Relay Foods to Invest $735,000, Increase Sales of Virginia-Sourced Agricultural Products by $3 Million Over Next Three Years~
CHARLOTTESVILLE – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced in the City of Charlottesville that Relay Foods (www.relayfoods.com) will expand its corporate headquarters and Charlottesville fulfillment center to accommodate increased local demand for its products and to support the company’s entry into new markets, including those beyond Virginia.  The company, a leading online grocery store and farmers market, will invest more than $735,000, create 25 new jobs in the City, and increase its Mid-Atlantic sales of Virginia-sourced meats, produce, dairy products, and value-added foods by $3 million over the next three years.  The Commonwealth of Virginia is partnering with the City of Charlottesville and Relay Foods on this project through the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund (AFID).
Speaking at the company’s site in Charlottesville about today’s announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “We continue to realize the benefits of fully integrating agriculture and forestry into the state’s strategic economic development platform.  Relay Foods’ announcement today not only creates quality new job opportunities for residents of Charlottesville, it strengthens the ties that this innovative and fast-growing company has to the Commonwealth.  Supporting entrepreneurs with unique and exciting business models is another way for Virginia to grow and diversify our economy, especially with the variety of agricultural producers across the Commonwealth.”
Relay Foods seamlessly integrates more than 200 local farmers and artisan, organic, and conventional producers to deliver high quality, local and gourmet foods and groceries directly to customers.  The company offers a unique and powerful resource for small food producers in Virginia trying to access the market by providing ready access to consumers in the Washington D.C., Richmond and Charlottesville metro areas.  This expansion will allow the company to further meet the growing demands of its consumers.
“I am pleased to see the continued success of the AFID program working with localities and businesses such as Relay Foods, a company that is so focused on promoting Virginia’s fresh, locally-sourced agricultural products, to create new jobs at its operations and new revenue streams for our growers,” said Todd Haymore, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry. “This project will allow Relay Foods to enjoy an even wider reach to markets where the exposure of Virginia-grown products will increase and Virginia’s agricultural producers will continue to benefit from new sales opportunities.”
The company, in partnership with Virginia and Charlottesville, will invest in updates to its Charlottesville corporate facility and fulfillment center, the main location for the aggregation, storage, packaging and distribution of all local Virginia meat, cheese and dairy products.   These improvements will strengthen the company’s competitive position in the fast-growing online grocery market.
“Relay Foods has rapidly developed a new approach to putting food on the table here in Charlottesville and beyond,” said Satyendra Singh Huja, Mayor of Charlottesville.  “We are proud of the company’s success and its ability to deliver innovation to the marketplace."
Governor McAuliffe approved a $50,000 grant from the Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund (AFID) to assist the City of Charlottesville with the project.  Relay Foods is also committing to purchase at least $350,000 worth of meats, produce, dairy products and other foods from Virginia producers over the next three years.  Through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program, Relay Foods will receive additional funding and services to support its training and retraining activities.
“At Relay Foods, our goal is to strengthen the local food economy in every community we serve, and we have been able to grow and thrive in Virginia based on our strong partnerships with producers across the state,” said Zach Buckner, Co-founder and CEO of Relay Foods. “We look forward to using this AFID grant to continue exploring innovative ways to connect our customers with the fresh and local foods produced by Virginia growers and artisans.“
"Coming from bucolic Virginia, I know the importance of a strong agricultural supply chain and appreciate the dedication to local, small producers in this region," said Senator Creigh Deeds, D- Bath County.  “The Governor’s continued support and partnership on economic development opportunities like the AFID program help communities across Virginia, and I am particularly pleased about the positive regional impact this announcement has today.”
Delegate David Toscano, D-Charlottesville, added, “Today’s announcement is a testament to the work the Governor and my colleagues in the General Assembly have done to diversify our economy and foster strong companies like Relay Foods in Virginia.  Their continued investment in Charlottesville and the ripple effect to the agricultural community and regional customer base are an exciting win for Virginia today.”
According to a 2013 economic impact study conducted by the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia, agriculture and forestry are two of Virginia’s largest industries with a combined economic impact of $70 billion annually.  Agriculture generates more than $52 billion per annum, while forestry induces over $17 billion.  The industries also provide more than 400,000 jobs in the Commonwealth.
About the Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund
The AFID Fund was created during the 2012 session of the General Assembly and is being embraced by the McAuliffe Administration as an important tool in growing the Commonwealth’s agriculture and forestry sector and helping to make Virginia the leading exporter of agricultural and forest products on the East Coast.  More information about the AFID grant, which has the flexibility to assist projects large and small throughout Virginia, can be found at http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/agribusiness/afid.shtml.


Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Awards Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund

A view from the Grouse Grind trail on Grouse M...
 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Governor McAuliffe Awards Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund Planning Grants to Communities in Central and Southern Virginia

~ Latest Round of AFID Planning Grants Furthers Two Local Food Projects, Supports County Effort to Grow Poultry Industry in the State ~

RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe today announced that three projects - two to make locally grown produce available year round and one seeking to bring a major poultry producer to Southside Virginia - were awarded $60,000 in planning grants from the Governor’s Agriculture & Forestry Industries Development Fund (AFID). The AFID planning grant program encourages local governments to work with the agricultural community to identify projects and opportunities that can bring important benefits to local producers, and the community as a whole.

“Supporting Virginia’s diverse agricultural and forestry sectors is a great way to expand and diversify our economy,” said Governor McAuliffe. “Assisting localities in identifying potential new projects and implementing programs that strengthen agriculture and forestry in their communities and will contribute to building a 21st Century Virginia economy. Laying the foundation for possibly larger future projects in these communities, the relatively small, but important, amount of state support provided today allows localities to plan strategically and creatively about how to incorporate two of the state’s largest industries into their economic development efforts.”

The AFID planning grant program, funded annually at $250,000, was developed in 2012 to encourage local and regional governments to think strategically about how they can better support and integrate agriculture and forestry-based industries into their community’s overall economic development efforts. The planning grants are part of the larger Governor’s AFID program, an economic development tool specifically for agriculture and forestry value-added or processing projects. AFID economic development grants are available for political subdivisions of the Commonwealth interested in growing their agriculture and forestry industries by strategically targeting businesses that add value to Virginia grown agriculture and forestal products.

“Partnering with local governments to leverage their resources and innovative ideas on growing and supporting Virginia’s agriculture and forestry industries, like we do with our AFID program, is good policy;” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Todd P. Haymore. “From innovative facilities that preserve locally grown produce for sale throughout the year to recruiting a major new industry to Southside, the projects funded today highlight the innovation and diversity of Virginia agriculture. Benefits from allowing localities to explore and capitalize on these kinds of opportunities have the potential to be felt throughout the business chain, from the individual producer level to the value-adding enterprise."

Applications for AFID planning grants are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the fiscal year. Successful funding requests must show a clear need to be addressed, a solution to be undertaken, demonstrate strong support from local government and the agriculture and forestry community, and be able to match each dollar requested with a dollar of local government funds, or allowable in-kind contributions. Localities interested in applying may visit 
http://vdacs.virginia.gov/agribusiness/planning.shtml or contact Stephen Versen at stephen.versen@vdacs.virginia.gov or804.786.6911 for more information.

According to a 2013 economic impact study conducted by the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, agriculture and forestry are two of Virginia's largest industries, with a combined economic impact of $70 billion annually.  Agriculture generates more than $52 billion per annum, while forestry induces over $17 billion. The industries also provide more than 400,000 jobs in the Commonwealth.

Details on the three grant awards are below:
1.     Project Title:  Local Food Initiative
Applicant:      Franklin County
Award:           $15,000
Summary:      Franklin County is seeking an AFID Planning Grant to help Ferrum College implement a shared vision for making locally produced food a part of the County’s economic development strategy.  Included in the project is the operation of a flash freezer and storage freezer that will assist in furthering use of local food production.  This equipment will allow the College to double their purchases of local foods, increasing their local sourcing for campus food from an already impressive 30% to 60% from Virginia producers.  In 2012, Ferrum College’s Dining Services purchased $250,000 worth of product from local producers.  The roughly $100,000 project is also benefitting from $49,402 in Tobacco Commission funds.  The project will allow for at least one Full-Time Equivalent position on campus and provide additional access to local foods for their 1,500 primarily-residential students and 300 faculty and staff.  Ferrum is also working with Franklin County Public Schools on a pilot basis to provide fresh, local food to them as well.
2.     Project Title: Virginia Produced: A Light Processing and Flash Freezing Hub for Virginia-Grown Produce
Applicant:      City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Award:           $35,000
Summary:      This project will yield an actionable business plan for a flash freezing and light food processing hub, building on a feasibility study already completed by the Jefferson Area Board for Aging. The resulting business entity would source Albemarle County and Virginia-grown produce supplied by the Local Food Hub and distribute flash frozen bulk and retail packs and prepared meals to institutional customers such as the University of Virginia, Virginia Area Agencies on Aging, and specialty grocery retailers such as Whole Foods.  Growers stand to benefit through greater demand for their crops and exposure to new purchasers.  Local, wholesome food could be available year round for consumption by the local community.
3.     Project Title: Integrated Poultry Industry Feasibility Study
Applicant:      Pittsylvania County
Award:           $10,000
Summary:      To conduct an in-depth and independent feasibility study focused on attracting integrated poultry companies to Pittsylvania County.  The study will inventory which companies are considering expanding, how and where a poultry complex could be located, which attributes of an area are attractive to poultry companies, and how the county can enhance its profile and marketing strategies to lobby these poultry companies.  This feasibility study and the data it produces will be utilized to develop promotional pieces and to assist the county in the manner best suited to invite an integrator to Southern Virginia. 
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Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Announces First Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund Planning Grants of Administration

McAuliffe speaking at Frying Pan Park in Hernd...
 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

~ Awards Support Strategic Expansion Effort in Essex, Further Growth Opportunity in Loudoun for Virginia’s Burgeoning Wine Industry ~


RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today the awarding of two planning grants from the Governor’s Agriculture & Forestry Industries Development Fund (AFID).  The two projects, one in Essex County and the other a partnership effort between the Town of Purcellville and Loudoun County, have been awarded a total of $34,500 to support the growth of agricultural and forestry projects in the Commonwealth. The AFID planning grant program encourages local governments to promote agriculture and forestry and incorporate the needs of these important industries into their economic development planning efforts.

Speaking about the planning grants being awarded to the localities, Governor McAuliffe said, “Job creation and expanded economic development are the chief priorities of my administration, and I plan to ensure that agriculture and forestry are a major part of our efforts to grow and diversify our economy” said Governor McAuliffe. “Supporting local efforts to strengthen these critical industries is an important component of my economic development strategy, and I applaud leadership in Essex County, Loudoun County, and the Town of Purcellville for exploring how their agricultural assets can be better utilized and grown for future job creation opportunities.”

The AFID planning grants program, funded annually at $250,000, was developed in 2012 to encourage local and regional governments to think strategically about how they can better support and integrate agriculture and forestry-based industries into their community’s overall economic development efforts.  The planning grants are part of the larger Governor’s AFID program, an economic development tool specifically for agriculture and forestry value-added or processing projects.  AFID economic development grants are available for political subdivisions of the Commonwealth interested in growing their agriculture and forestry industries by strategically targeting for assistance those businesses that add value to Virginia grown agriculture and forestal products.   
                        
“The two projects are prime examples of what we hoped the AFID would do for localities interested in building on their agricultural and forestry economic assets,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Todd P. Haymore. “Essex County will utilize its grant funding to better incorporate agriculture and forestry into their strategic economic development growth plans, a primary goal of the AFID program.  AFID funds will be used by the Town of Purcellville, working in partnership with Loudoun County, to explore the creation of a possible viticulture and enology center, an excellent example of seeking new initiatives that can have lasting, positive impacts on a region’s agriculture and forestry sectors.”

Applications for AFID planning grants are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the fiscal year.  Successful funding requests must show a clear need to be addressed, a solution to be undertaken, demonstrate strong support from local government and the agriculture and forestry community, and be able to match each dollar requested with a dollar of local government funds, or allowable in-kind contributions. Localities interested in applying may visit http://vdacs.virginia.gov/agribusiness/planning.shtml or contact Stephen Versen atstephen.versen@vdacs.virginia.gov or 804.786.6911 for more information.

Details on the two grant awards are below:

1.      Project Title:  Loudoun County Viticulture and Enology Education Center
Applicant:      Town of Purcellville
Award:           $17,500
Summary:      The Town of Purcellville, with the support of Loudoun County, and in conjunction with Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC), will conduct a feasibility study for the development of a viticultural and enology education center, using as a model the Shelton-Badgett North Carolina Center for Viticulture & Enology.  It would serve Virginia’s wine industry by training the next generation of wine makers and vineyard managers through certificate and degree programs. 


2.      Project Title: Developing a Roadmap for Agriculture and Forestry Industries in   Essex County                              
Applicant:      Essex County Industrial Development Authority
Award:           $17,000
Summary:      Through a competitive bidding process, the Essex County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) is proposing to hire a contractor to work with an appointed Essex County Agriculture and Forestry Advisory Board to develop a strategic plan for agriculture and forestry industries within Essex County.  The effort will help the County promote and enhance the competitiveness of its agriculture and forestry industry.
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Thursday, October 17, 2013

Governor McDonnell Announces Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund Planning Grant Recipients

Governor of Virginia Bob McDonnell speaking at...
Governor of Virginia Bob McDonnell by Gage Skidmore (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

~ $60,500 Awarded to Three Projects Covering Seven Localities Developing Plans on Agritourism, a Virginia Wine Heritage Center, and Local Food Systems ~

  Grant Funds Remain Available, Applications Accepted on a Rolling Basis through June 2014


RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell announced today the recipients of the initial round of fiscal year 2014 planning grants from the planning grants program of the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund (AFID).  The AFID planning grants program was developed to encourage local governments and regional organizations to think strategically about how they can better support and integrate agriculture and forestry-based industries into their community’s overall economic development efforts.

            “At the state level, we’ve had great success incorporating the Commonwealth’s two largest industries, agriculture and forestry, and their $70 billion overall impact on our economy into our economic development agenda,” said Governor McDonnell. “Creating a program that incentivizes communities to plan for how they can best grow and support these industries in their business community is a natural continuation of a strategy that is proven to benefit Virginians and create jobs.” 

            The communities and regions receiving AFID planning grants will match each dollar awarded with a dollar of local funds, including certain types of allowed in-kind contributions. The program also requires the active participation of a board, committee or working group representing the relevant agriculture and forestry interests in the locality.  

            “Applicants were given flexibility to pursue the type of project that made the most sense for their region or locality, whether it was taking advantage of an existing asset, as Roanoke County is doing with their study of Virginia Tech’s Catawba Sustainability Center or exploring the creation of a new asset, as Albemarle County is doing with their Virginia Wine Heritage Center Study,” said Todd Haymore, Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry.  “By actively involving the agriculture and forestry community into the planning process we are helping communities grow a long standing component of their economic infrastructure while providing new opportunities to our farm and timber producers.”

            The AFID planning grants program guidelines were first announced by Governor McDonnell on November 27, 2012.  Fiscal year 2013 awards were announced May 8, 2013 and awarded $249,000 to eleven projects covering thirty-one localities.  With this announcement, the AFID planning grants program has committed $309,500 to fourteen projects covering thirty-eight localities.  Applicants demonstrating a clear need, a solution to be undertaken, and strong support from local government and the agriculture and forestry community received the highest marks during the review process.  For the remainder of fiscal year 2014, requests from the AFID planning grants fund, which has $189,500 in uncommitted funds, will be accepted, reviewed, and awarded on a rolling basis until the fund is exhausted.

            Details on the grant awards are below. Localities interested in applying may visit http://vdacs.virginia.gov/agribusiness/planning.shtml for more information.

           According to a 2013 economic impact study by the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia, agriculture and forestry are two of Virginia's largest industries, with a combined economic impact of $70 billion annually. Agriculture generates more than $52 billion per annum, while forestry induces over $17 billion. The industries also provide more than 400,000 jobs in the Commonwealth.

Governor’s Agricultural and Forestry Industries’ Fiscal Year 2014
Planning Grant Recipients and Projects

Project Title: Feasibility Study to Establish Virginia Wine Heritage Center in Albemarle County
Applicant: Albemarle County
Award: $20,000

Summary: Albemarle County is partnering with the Charlottesville/Albemarle Convention and Visitors Bureau, Thomas Jefferson Foundation/Monticello, and Piedmont Virginia Community College, to bring in an expert consultant to examine the feasibility of establishing a Virginia Wine Heritage Center in Albemarle County.  The study will look at critical partnerships, facility attributes and location, funding needs, and the appropriate business model.

Project Title: Building Agricultural and Forestry-based Businesses in The Foothills
Applicant: Rappahannock-Rapidan Region-Planning District (RRPDC); includes Culpepper, Orange, Madison, Fauquier, and Rappahannock counties
Award: $33,000

Summary: The project is an effort to increase support and preservation of the region’s agricultural and forestry based industries by implementing specific strategies designed to raise awareness of these industries, increase the purchases of regional ag and forestry products, and sustain the future of agriculture and forestry in region. Deliverables include a regional agro-artisan trail, directory, brand, annual conference, marketing effort, and completion of regional green infrastructure maps and data with agricultural soils and water quality.

Project Title: Linking the Virginia Tech Catawba Sustainability Center to the Local Food System
Applicant: Roanoke County
Award: $7,500

Summary: The Virginia Tech Catawba Sustainability Center is a 377 acre historic dairy farm located in Roanoke County that was donated by the former Catawba Sanitarium to Virginia Tech.  In recent years, Roanoke County has helped fund the activities of the center and searched for ways to help the center contribute to region’s economy. Roanoke County and staff at the Sustainability Center, will work with Virginia Tech’s Office of Economic Development to explore strategies to increase the connectivity of the Catawba Sustainability Center to the regional food system. 
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