Showing posts with label Agriculture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Agriculture. Show all posts

Friday, May 1, 2015

Governor McAuliffe Says Cheese

~ Twenty Paces to Create Jobs, Introduce Apprenticeship Program and Support Next Generation of Farmers in County~

RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Ewes Guys, LLC, doing business as Twenty Paces, will open operations for its new farmstead sheep and goat’s milk cheese production and processing facility in Albemarle County.  The company, which focuses on high-quality, sustainably-made products, will invest $321,000 in a facility at Bellair Farms and create seven new jobs.  In addition to producing high-end cheeses and meats for restaurants and specialty cheese retailers, Twenty Paces will ensure the transfer of farming expertise between generations through an apprenticeship program, dedicated to sharing dairy farming knowledge with the community.  The Commonwealth is partnering with Albemarle County and Twenty Paces on this project through the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund.

Speaking about the investment, Governor McAuliffe stated, “I am pleased to announce that Twenty Paces will open this new artisanal cheese production facility in Albemarle County, furthering Virginia’s reputation as a leader in the specialty food industry and helping to build the new Virginia economy.  With this announcement, we continue to realize the benefits of fully integrating agriculture and forestry into the state’s strategic economic development platform.  Supporting entrepreneurs with unique business models is another way for Virginia to grow and diversify our economy.”

With a newly renovated and expanded creamery, Twenty Paces will produce high-quality sheep and goat’s milk, as well as process, age, and distribute farmstead cheeses for a rapidly growing artisanal cheese market in the U.S.  A true entrepreneurial start-up, Twenty Paces will also produce grass-fed lamb and goat meat for restaurants and specialty food retailers in the Commonwealth and along the East Coast.  This new artisanal product will bolster Virginia’s reputation as a center for artisanal food production.  Twenty Paces will use 100% Virginia-grown sheep and goat’s milk for its products.

“Twenty Paces’ investment in this facility is the result of creative entrepreneurs engaged with a supportive community, and the partnership at Bellair Farms is a model for how new local, sustainable agriculture can work,”  said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Todd Haymore, who represented Governor McAuliffe at the announcement.  "It is particularly exciting to have young people interested in preserving agricultural heritage and traditions. Continuing to expand agricultural expertise throughout the Commonwealth is an important component to building the new Virginia economy, and I applaud Twenty Paces for its commitment to furthering those traditions by training apprentices at their facility.”

“Twenty Paces’ commitment to producing 100% natural, sustainably-produced artisanal cheeses benefits not only the agricultural economy of the Commonwealth, but consumers along the East Coast and beyond,” added First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe, who also attended the announcement.  “Virginia is blessed to have a diversified agricultural economy that provides fresh, wholesome commodities and food products, in addition to thousands of jobs.  I also believe that innovative agricultural operations, like Twenty Paces, will help in our mission to bridge the nutritional divide in Virginia.”

Through this investment, Twenty Paces will utilize working farmlands and an existing barn at Bellair Farms to produce its farmstead specialty cheeses, supporting the Commonwealth’s largest economic driver, agriculture.  Realizing the importance of the next generation of farmers in Virginia, the company is committed to sharing dairy farm knowledge with others in the community through its apprenticeship program. 

“Twenty Paces is honored to be recognized by Albemarle County and the Governor through this AFID grant,” said Kyle Kilduff, co-owner of Twenty Paces.  “Their support, as well as the support of Bellair Farm owner, Cynthia Davis, and farm manager, Jamie Barrett, helps ensure the success of Twenty Paces in Virginia’s growing artisanal cheese industry.  Twenty Paces is committed and proud to carry on the family farm and entrepreneurial tradition through farmstead cheese production and management-intensive grazing. These practices improve pasture, produce flavorful milk and cheese, and also lower our cost of production, allowing us to provide jobs in our community through a sustainable business model for years to come.”

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services partnered with Albemarle County to secure this project for Virginia.  Governor McAuliffe approved an $11,000 grant from the AFID Fund to assist with the project and Albemarle County will provide an $11,000 cash match. 

“Albemarle County is extremely pleased to partner with the Governor and Twenty Paces through this important grant program, which furthers our long standing priority of supporting the County’s agricultural heritage and economy,” said Tom Foley, Albemarle County Executive.  “We are very fortunate to have citizens of our community, like Cynthia Davis of Bellair Farms, who demonstrate personal stewardship and commitment to agriculture through efforts like placing Bellair Farms in an historic trust and starting a CSA operation.”

Speaking about the announcement, Senator Creigh Deeds, D-Bath County said, “Living in rural Virginia, I know the importance of a strong agricultural economy and appreciate the Governor’s dedication to this region’s local, small producers.  The Governor’s continued support and partnership on economic development opportunities, like the AFID grant, help communities across Virginia, and I am particularly pleased about the positive regional impact this announcement has today.”

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 private industries with a combined economic impact of $70 billion annually.  Agriculture generates more than $52 billion per annum, while forestry generates more than $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.coopercenter.org/node/2/publications/economic-impacts-agriculture-and-forestry-virginia-revised-2012.

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.

Friday, November 21, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Signs Executive Order Establishing Commonwealth Council on Bridging the Nutritional Divide

RICHMOND – Today, Governor Terry McAuliffe signed an executive order establishing the Commonwealth Council on Bridging the Nutritional Divide, which will be chaired by First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe.

“A critical component in building a new Virginia economy is ensuring that no Virginia child or family goes hungry,” said Governor McAuliffe. “By using the assets unique to Virginia, we can bridge this nutritional divide, put more Virginians on pathways to success, and at the same time grow our local agriculture economies. I look forward to the great work the Council will do to benefit our communities and all Virginia children and families. “

“With the formation of this council, we are making clear our belief that, in order to cultivate and sustain economic success, all Virginians must have access to nutritious foods that will enable them to learn, grow, and thrive,” said First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe. “With the formation of this Council we’re saying enough with the tightrope, now we start building a bridge.”

The Commonwealth Council on Bridging the Nutritional Divide will work to help solve childhood hunger in the Commonwealth, promote Virginia’s agriculture economy, and support local programs related to community nutrition, food access, and health strategies. 

The Council will include representatives from both the McAuliffe administration and the private sector. This public-private partnership will be tasked with finding innovative ways to ensure that Virginia pursues new opportunities, as well as every federal dollar and program currently available that promotes healthy living, nutrition, and our local food programs. 

The full text of Executive Order 34 is below.

NUMBER THIRTY FOUR (2014)

THE COMMONWEALTH COUNCIL ON
BRIDGING THE NUTRITIONAL DIVIDE

Importance of the Initiative

            The foundation for a new Virginia economy rests upon the pillars of a world-class education system, infrastructure, business climate, and workforce. In order to cultivate and sustain economic success, all Virginians, especially children and young adults, must have access to nutritious, affordable, and locally-sourced foods that will enable them to learn, grow, and thrive. We must work to bridge the nutritional divide in Virginia by pursuing these objectives with a cross-Secretariat, public-private approach, relying on the Commonwealth’s vast resources and the vibrancy of our large agriculture sector.

Establishment of the Council

            Accordingly, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor under Article V of the Constitution of Virginia and under the laws of the Commonwealth, and subject to my continuing and ultimate authority and responsibility to act in such matters, I hereby establish the Commonwealth Council on Bridging the Nutritional Divide (“Council”).

Initiative

            The Council will seek to achieve three major objectives through partnerships across the Governor’s Cabinet, with state agencies, national, regional, and local nonprofits, local governments, schools, and private businesses, and with increased data sharing and research:

1.      Eliminate childhood hunger in Virginia by increasing participation in nutrition assistance programs:

·       Increase school division and community participation in a) the Community Eligibility Provision, b) the Summer Food Service Program, c) the Child and Adult Care Food Program, d) alternative breakfast models, and e) additional pathways to expand meal access as determined by the Council.
·       Increase eligible household participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition  Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

2.      Promote Virginia’s leading industry – agriculture – and increase access to affordable, healthy, and local foods:

·       Improve food distribution systems to better serve a diversifying Virginia agricultural economy
·       Improve accessibility to farmers’ markets
·       Increase acceptance of SNAP/Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) and WIC/EBT at farmers’ markets
·       Encourage the development of innovative and sustainable retail models to provide access to healthy foods in areas classified as food deserts
·       Increase farm-to-school and other farm-to-institution programs

3.      Facilitate efficient and effective local initiatives related to community nutrition, food access, and health strategies and programs across the Commonwealth:

·       Support the development of regional agricultural councils, nutrition education programs, and additional community and learning gardens
·       Serve as a communications hub for initiatives and convener of partners, and recognize and promote innovative local programs, that align with the council’s mission

Composition of the Council

            The Chair of the Council will be the First Lady of Virginia and consist of representatives of the Secretaries of Agriculture and Forestry, Commerce and Trade, Education, Health and Human Resources, Veterans and Defense Affairs, state and local agencies, the agriculture and business communities, leaders in education and health, and others with appropriate expertise, as appointed by the Governor.

Staffing

Staff support for the Council will be provided by the Office of the Governor, and any other agencies or offices as may be designated by the Governor. The Council will serve in an advisory role, in accordance with § 2.2-2100 of the Code of Virginia, and will meet upon the call of the Chair at least four times per year.

Accountability

The Council shall develop a three-year plan to achieve its objectives and shall regularly report to the Governor and the Children’s Cabinet. The plan shall include quantifiable metrics and associated goals for each objective, and progress toward achieving these goals shall be made available to the public via an online scorecard.

Effective Date of the Executive Order

This Executive Order shall be effective upon its signing and shall remain in force and effect until January 12, 2018, unless amended or rescinded by further executive order.

Given under my hand and under the Seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia, this 20th day of November, 2014.





Terence R. McAuliffe, Governor






Attest:             _______________________________________
                        Levar M. Stoney, Secretary of the Commonwealth




(Now does this sound good?  It does until you realize that it may just mean the government takeover of local farmers markets and farmers.  But you don't think this could ever happen now do you?  Or could it?  Stick around and find out.)

Friday, October 3, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Announces New Specialty Crop Grants for Virginia

Farmer plowing in Fahrenwalde, Mecklenburg-Vor...
 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
~16 Projects Receive More Than $560,000 in USDA Funding; Grants Benefit Crops Including Apples, Grapes, Chestnuts, Christmas Trees, More~

RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe today announced funding for sixteen agriculture-related projects aimed at promoting and enhancing the competitiveness of Virginia’s specialty crops and creating more economic opportunities.  The projects awarded grants resulted from a competitive process established by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service Specialty Crop Block Grant funds.  Specialty crops including apples, wine grapes, sprouts, chestnuts, strawberries, Christmas trees, and more will benefit from the grants. Other grants focus on food safety, protecting honey bees, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) implementation on small farms, marketing and education programs, food safety education, cover crops, nutrient cycling, and more. Grants range from $20,000 to $50,000 per applicant.

“These federal grants represent more than a half-million dollar investment in Virginia’s economy and will boost agricultural development and job creation, especially in our rural communities,” said Governor McAuliffe. “The innovative projects awarded grants will help enhance agriculture’s position as the Commonwealth's largest industry as we work with our private sector partners to build a new Virginia economy. I congratulate these individuals, educational institutions, and organizations for pursuing concepts that will help growers add value and enhance marketing opportunities across Virginia.”

The Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 authorized the USDA to provide funds to states to promote specialty crops including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits and nursery crops. When considering grants for the USDA Specialty Crop Program, VDACS gave priority to projects that included the following activities:
·         Assisting farmers in transitioning into specialty, high-value agricultural initiatives that address the eligible specialty crops;
·         Increasing net farm income through high-value or value-added enterprises;
·         Finding new ways to market or to add value to specialty agricultural products; and
·         Developing pilot and demonstration programs in specialty agriculture that have the potential for transferability within rural Virginia.

“Today’s announcement is more good news for Virginia agriculture and helps bolster the Governor's efforts to keep agriculture and forestry at the forefront of his overall economic development strategic plans and his work to build a new Virginia economy,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Todd Haymore. “The projects and more than $560,000 in grants being awarded also highlight Virginia's diversified agricultural interests and the potential opportunities those interests provide across a broad geographical footprint."

VDACS awarded grants totaling $564,828.97 for the following projects:
·         Advancing Organic Apple Production in Virginia - Virginia Tech, Winchester AREC, Winchester, VA
·         Beneficial Bacterial Endophytes Improve Grape Vine Growth and Cold Tolerance to Strengthen the Virginia Wine Industry - Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, Danville, VA
·         Chestnut Production and Marketing Feasibility Study - Virginia Foundation for Agriculture, Innovation and Rural Sustainability (VA FAIRS), Richmond, VA
·         Cider Production from Virginia-grown Apples:  Development of Research-Based Fermentation Strategies - Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
·         Commonwealth Quality Alliance Education - Virginia Wineries Association, Richmond, VA
·         Cover Crops and Nutrient Cycling for Vegetable Production in Virginia - Virginia Tech, Eastern Shore Agricultural Research and Extension Center (AREC), Painter, VA
·         Developing Organic and Integrated Management Strategies for Pest Control in Annual Strawberry Production -  Virginia Tech, Hampton Roads ARECVirginia Beach, VA
·         Development of Commercial Shelf-Stable Recipes for Specialty Crops - Virginia Food Works, Charlottesville, VA
·         Development of Soybean Varieties for Sprouts as a Profitable Vegetable Crop - Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
·         Enhancing Market Opportunities for Virginia’s Specialty Crops and Small to Mid-size Farms through a Ten Percent Marketing and Education Campaign - Virginia Food System Council, Richmond, VA
·         Genetically Improved Fraser Fir Seed Orchard - Mount Rogers Area Christmas Tree Growers AssociationWhitetop, VA
·         Increasing Capacity to Provide Comprehensive Fresh Produce Food Safety Education from Farm to Fork - Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
·         Low Cost Protection from Pesticide Damage for Honey Bee Colonies - Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Richmond, VA
·         Making Food Safety Certification Available and Affordable for Virginia Farmers - Appalachian Sustainable Development, Abingdon, VA
·         Multi-tiered Quality Assurance and Cost-share Program to Advance GAP Implementation on Small Farms - Local Food Hub,Charlottesville, VA
·         Transitioning Farms to Sustainable Practices for Economic Viability and Environmental Health - Arcadia Food, Alexandria, VA

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.coopercenter.org/node/2/publications/economic-impacts-agriculture-and-forestry-virginia-revised-2012.


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.