Home Made Gloucester Dressing - Recipe of the day

Egg Cream (Photo credit: Uncle Catherine)

Beat three eggs, and add a teaspoon each of salt, pepper, and mustard; six tablespoons of cream or milk, small half teacup of vinegar, and one-half cup sugar; mix thoroughly and set in top of teakettle, stirring constantly till it thickens.

Make something extraordinary tonight.

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10 American Foods That Are Banned in Other Countries

Salmon and sea trout (Photo credit: mrjorgen)

By Dr. Mercola

Americans are slowly waking up to the sad fact that much of the food sold in the US is far inferior to the same foods sold in other nations. In fact, many of the foods you eat are BANNED in other countries.

Here, I’ll review 10 American foods that are banned elsewhere, which were featured in a recent MSN article.1

Seeing how the overall health of Americans is so much lower than other industrialized countries, you can’t help but wonder whether toxic foods such as these might play a role in our skyrocketing disease rates.

#1: Farm-Raised Salmon

If you want to maximize health benefits from fish, you want to steer clear of farmed fish, particularly farmed salmon fed dangerous chemicals. Wild salmon gets its bright pinkish-red color from natural carotenoids in their diet. Farmed salmon, on the other hand, are raised on a wholly unnatural diet of grains (including genetically engineered varieties), plus a concoction of antibiotics and other drugs and chemicals not shown to be safe for humans.

This diet leaves the fish with unappetizing grayish flesh so to compensate, they’re fed synthetic astaxanthin made from petrochemicals, which has not been approved for human consumption and has well known toxicities. According to the featured article, some studies suggest it can potentially damage your eyesight. More details are available in yesterday’s article.

Where it's banned: Australia and New Zealand

How can you tell whether a salmon is wild or farm-raised? The flesh of wild sockeye salmon is bright red, courtesy of its natural astaxanthin content. It’s also very lean, so the fat marks, those white stripes you see in the meat, are very thin. If the fish is pale pink with wide fat marks, the salmon is farmed.

Avoid Atlantic salmon, as typically salmon labeled "Atlantic Salmon" currently comes from fish farms. The two designations you want to look for are: “Alaskan salmon,” and “sockeye salmon,” as Alaskan sockeye is not allowed to be farmed. Please realize that the vast majority of all salmon sold in restaurants is farm raised.

So canned salmon labeled "Alaskan Salmon" is a good bet, and if you find sockeye salmon, it's bound to be wild. Again, you can tell sockeye salmon from other salmon by its color; its flesh is bright red opposed to pink, courtesy of its superior astaxanthin content. Sockeye salmon actually has one of the highest concentrations of astaxanthin of any food.

#2: Genetically Engineered Papaya

Most Hawaiian papaya is now genetically engineered to be resistant to ringspot virus. Mounting research now shows that animals fed genetically engineered foods, such as corn and soy, suffer a wide range of maladies, including intestinal damage,multiple-organ damage, massive tumors, birth defects, premature death, and near complete sterility by the third generation of offspring. Unfortunately, the gigantic human lab experiment is only about 10 years old, so we are likely decades away from tabulating the human casualties.

Where it's banned: The European Union

Unfortunately, it’s clear that the US government is not in a position to make reasonable and responsible decisions related to genetically engineered foods at this point, when you consider the fact that the Obama administration has placed former Monsanto attorney and Vice President, Michael Taylor, in charge of US food safety, and serious conflicts of interest even reign supreme within the US Supreme Court! That’s right. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas is also a former Monsanto attorney, but refuses to acknowledge any conflict of interest.

#3: Ractopamine-Tainted Meat

The beta agonist drug ractopamine (a repartitioning agent that increases protein synthesis) was recruited for livestock use when researchers found that the drug, used in asthma, made mice more muscular. This reduces the overall fat content of the meat. Ractopamine is currently used in about 45 percent of US pigs, 30 percent of ration-fed cattle, and an unknown percentage of turkeys are pumped full of this drug in the days leading up to slaughter. Up to 20 percent of ractopamine remains in the meat you buy from the supermarket, according to veterinarian Michael W. Fox.

Since 1998, more than 1,700 people have been "poisoned" from eating pigs fed the drug, and ractopamine is banned from use in food animals in no less than 160 different countries due to its harmful health effects! Effective February 11, 2013, Russia issued a ban on US meat imports, slated to last until the US agrees to certify that the meat is ractopamine-free. At present, the US does not even test for the presence of this drug in meats sold. In animals, ractopamine is linked to reductions in reproductive function, increase of mastitis in dairy herds, and increased death and disability. It’s also known to affect the human cardiovascular system, and is thought to be responsible for hyperactivity, and may cause chromosomal abnormalities and behavioral changes.

Where it's banned: 160 countries across Europe, Russia, mainland China and Republic of China (Taiwan)

#4: Flame Retardant Drinks

If you live in the US and drink Mountain Dew and some other citrus-flavored sodas and sports drinks, then you are also getting a dose of a synthetic chemical called brominated vegetable oil (BVO), which was originally patented by chemical companies as a flame retardant.

BVO has been shown to bioaccumulate in human tissue and breast milk, and animal studies have found it causes reproductive and behavioral problems in large doses. Bromine is a central nervous system depressant, and a common endocrine disruptor. It’s part of the halide family, a group of elements that includes fluorine, chlorine and iodine. When ingested, bromine competes for the same receptors that are used to capture iodine. This can lead to iodine deficiency, which can have a very detrimental impact on your health. Bromine toxicity can manifest as skin rashes, acne, loss of appetite, fatigue, and cardiac arrhythmias. According to the featured article:

"The FDA has flip-flopped on BVO's safety originally classifying it as 'generally recognized as safe' but reversing that call now defining it as an 'interim food additive' a category reserved for possibly questionable substances used in food."

Where it's banned: Europe and Japan

#5: Processed Foods Containing Artificial Food Colors and Dyes

More than 3,000 food additives -- preservatives, flavorings, colors and other ingredients -- are added to US foods, including infant foods and foods targeted to young children. Meanwhile, many of these are banned in other countries, based on research showing toxicity and hazardous health effects, especially with respect to adverse effects on children’s behavior. For example, as reported in the featured article:

“Boxed Mac & Cheese, cheddar flavored crackers, Jell-O and many kids' cereals contain red 40, yellow 5, yellow 6 and/or blue 2, the most popularly-used dyes in the United States. Research has shown this rainbow of additives can cause behavioral problems as well as cancer, birth defects and other health problems in laboratory animals. Red 40 and yellow 6 are also suspected of causing an allergy-like hypersensitivity reaction in children. The Center for Science in the Public Interest reports that some dyes are also "contaminated with known carcinogens.”

In countries where these food colors and dyes are banned, food companies like Kraft employ natural colorants instead, such as paprika extract, beetroot, and annatto. The food blogger and activist Vani Hari, better known as “Food Babe,” recently launched a Change.org petition2 asking Kraft to remove artificial dyes from American Mac & Cheese to protect American children from the well-known dangers of these dyes.

Where it's banned: Norway and Austria. In 2009, the British government advised companies to stop using food dyes by the end of that year. The European Union also requires a warning notice on most foods containing dyes.

#6: Arsenic-Laced Chicken

Arsenic-based drugs are approved for use in animal feed in the US because they make animals grow quicker and make the meat appear pinker (i.e. "fresher"). The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated these products are safe because they contain organic arsenic, which is less toxic than the other inorganic form, which is a known carcinogen.

The problem is, scientific reports surfaced stating that the organic arsenic could transform into inorganic arsenic, which has been found in elevated levels in supermarket chickens. The inorganic arsenic also contaminates manure where it can eventually migrate into drinking water and may also be causing heightened arsenic levels in US rice.

In 2011, Pfizer announced it would voluntarily stop marketing its arsenic-based feed additive Roxarsone, but there are still several others on the market. Several environmental groups have filed a lawsuit against the FDA calling for their removal from the market. In the European Union, meanwhile, arsenic-based compounds have never been approved as safe for animal feed.

Where it's banned: The European Union

#7: Bread with Potassium Bromate

You might not be aware of this, but nearly every time you eat bread in a restaurant or consume a hamburger or hotdog bun you are consuming bromide, as it is commonly used in flours. The use of potassium bromate as an additive to commercial breads and baked goods has been a huge contributor to bromide overload in Western cultures.

Bromated flour is “enriched” with potassium bromate. Commercial baking companies claim it makes the dough more elastic and better able to stand up to bread hooks. However, Pepperidge Farm and other successful companies manage to use only unbromated flour without any of these so-called “structural problems.” Studies have linked potassium bromate to kidney and nervous system damage, thyroid problems, gastrointestinal discomfort, and cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies potassium bromate as a possible carcinogen.

Where it's banned: Canada, China and the EU

#8: Olestra/Olean

Olestra, aka Olean, created by Procter & Gamble, is a calorie- and cholesterol-free fat substitute used in fat-free snacks like chips and French fries. Three years ago, Time Magazine3 named it one of the worst 50 inventions ever, but that hasn’t stopped food companies from using it to satisfy people’s mistaken belief that a fat-free snack is a healthier snack. According to the featured article:

“Not only did a 2011 study from Purdue University conclude rats fed potato chips made with Olean gained weight, there have been several reports of adverse intestinal reactions to the fake fat including diarrhea, cramps and leaky bowels. And because it interferes with the absorption of fat soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K, the FDA requires these vitamins be added to any product made with Olean or olestra.”

Where it's banned: The UK and Canada

#9: Preservatives BHA and BHT

BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) are commonly used preservatives that can be found in breakfast cereal, nut mixes, chewing gum, butter spread, meat, dehydrated potatoes, and beer, just to name a few. BHA is known to cause cancer in rats, and may be a cancer-causing agent in humans as well. In fact, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services, National Toxicology Program's 2011 Report on Carcinogens, BHA "is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.” It may also trigger allergic reactions and hyperactivity, while BHT can cause organ system toxicity.

Where it's banned: The UK doesn't allow BHA in infant foods. BHA and BHT are also banned in parts of the European Union and Japan.

#10: Milk and Dairy Products Laced with rBGH

Recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH) is the largest selling dairy animal drug in America. RBGH is a synthetic version of natural bovine somatotropin (BST), a hormone produced in cows' pituitary glands. Monsanto developed the recombinant version from genetically engineered E. coli bacteria and markets it under the brand name "Posilac."

It’s injected into cows to increase milk production, but it is banned in at least 30 other nations because of its dangers to human health, which include an increased risk for colorectal, prostate, and breast cancer by promoting conversion of normal tissue cells into cancerous ones. Non-organic dairy farms frequently have rBGH-injected cows that suffer at least 16 different adverse health conditions, including very high rates of mastitis that contaminate milk with pus and antibiotics.

"According to the American Cancer Society, the increased use of antibiotics to treat this type of rBGH-induced inflammation 'does promote the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, but the extent to which these are transmitted to humans is unclear,'" the featured article states.

Many have tried to inform the public of the risks of using this hormone in dairy cows, but their attempts have been met with overwhelming opposition by the powerful dairy and pharmaceutical industries, and their government liaisons. In 1997, two Fox-affiliate investigative journalists, Jane Akre and Steve Wilson, attempted to air a program exposing the truth about the dangers of rBGH. Lawyers for Monsanto, a major advertiser with the Florida network, sent letters promising "dire consequences" if the story aired.

Despite decades of evidence about the dangers of rBGH, the FDA still maintains it's safe for human consumption and ignores scientific evidence to the contrary. In 1999, the United Nations Safety Agency ruled unanimously not to endorse or set safety standards for rBGH milk, which has effectively resulted in an international ban on US milk.4 The Cancer Prevention Coalition, trying for years to get the use of rBGH by the dairy industry banned, resubmitted a petition to FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg, MD, in January 2010.5 Although the FDA stubbornly sticks to its position that milk from rBGH-treated cows is no different than milk from untreated cows, this is just plain false and is not supported by science. The only way to avoid rBGH is to look for products labeled as “rBGH-free” or “No rBGH.”

Where it's banned: Australia, New Zealand, Israel, EU and Canada

 http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/07/10/banned-foods.aspx

Link back to more information at Mercola website.

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ESPN Video Sports News Updates, MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL, Nascar, Golf, Boxing, Tennis

ESPN (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Sports updates are on our blackout list due to Russians troops signed to police US Events on US Soil.

http://www.infowars.com/russian-forces-to-provide-security-at-us-events/  See the story for yourself.  We are blacking out sports coverage and coverage of all major national events until this is reversed.  It's the only way you can fight this.  Hit them all where it hurts, in the pocket.

A CAll To Arms, The Shot Heard Round The World

Today we are presenting Liberty's Kids in, "The Shot Heard Round The World."  Our e-book of the day is Patrick Henry's speech, "The Call To Arms."  Today we are also announcing a new feature.  Not only are we offering free downloads of the e-book from our SlideShare site in PDF format, we are also offering free downloads of the e-book in ePub editions as well.  All downloads are free.

  All part of our Liberty Education Series.

The Call To Arms Patrick Henry from Chuck Thompson

For the free PDF version download, visit our SlideShare site.
http://www.putlocker.com/file/11480C050BF88E50  This link is for the free ePub edition.  It's less than 1 meg in size so the download will go very fast.

Patrick Henry, portrait by George Bagby Matthews c. 1891 after an original by Thomas Sully (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Gloucester School Board approves hirings, resignations, contract changes

The Gloucester County School Board approved Tuesday night a number of employment changes to include hirings, resignations and transfers.

Hirings:

--Mary Runnells, of Gloucester, as coordinator of special education, effective Aug. 19;

--Jennifer Holmes, of Hartfield, 1st grade at Abingdon Elementary, effective Aug. 19;

--Cathleen Jackson, of Parksley, Va., 1st grade at Abingdon Elementary, effective Aug. 19;

--Erin O'Brien, of Sterling, Va., 3rd grade at Abingdon Elementary, effective Aug. 19;

--Alison Wheeler, of Williamsburg, 4th grade at Abingdon Elementary, effective Aug. 19;

--Karrissa Harbour, of Hayes, 5th grade at Abingdon Elementary, effective Aug. 19;

--Hannah Kellogg, of Gloucester, 2nd Grade at Achilles Elementary, effective Aug. 19;

--Kimberly Markley, of Palmyra, Va., 3rd grade at Achilles Elementary, effective Aug. 19;

--Mairin Martin, of Fredericksburg, Va., 4th grade at Achilles Elementary, effective Aug. 19;

--Leigh A. Every, of Hayes, 2nd grade at Bethel Elementary, effective Aug. 19;

--Kelsey Stanton, of Williamsburg, English at Gloucester High, effective Aug. 19;

--Rosalinda Stanford, of Williamsburg, math at Gloucester High, effective Aug. 19;

--Matthew Rosendahl, of Urbanna, choral at Page Middle, effective Sept. 3;

--Teresa Lukasik, of Gloucester, special education at Peasley Middle, effective Aug. 19;

--Alanna Bragg, of Norfolk, 8th grade math at Page Middle, effective Aug. 19;

--Laura Yaeckel, of Saluda, paraprofessional I at Botetourt Elementary, effective Sept. 3.

Resignations:

--Renee Hamilton-Bains, library media specialist at Achilles Elementary, effective July 31 due to relocation;

--Ryan Gross, math at Gloucester High, effective July 9 due to personal reasons.

--Deena Covington, field hockey coach at Page Middle, effective June 24 due to personal reasons.

Contract changes effective the 2013-14 school year:

--Heidi Teagle, 2nd grade at Achilles Elementary to 5th grade at Botetourt Elementary;

--Diane Ericson, 2nd grade at Achilles Elementary to 5th grade at Botetourt Elementary;

--Michele Brake, paraprofessional II at Botetourt Elementary to 1st grade teacher at Botetourt Elementary;

--Megan Harris, 8th grade math at Page Middle to 7th grade math at Peasley Middle.

Story from http://www.dailypress.com/news/gloucester-county/gloucester-blog/dp-gloucester-school-board-approves-hirings-and-resignations-20130711,0,6395493.story
 

Dancing Willow with Old Grey Goose - Free Song of the day

Royalty-free music for professional licensing

Some Celtic fun.  Dancing Willow with Old Grey Goose.  A fun Celtic tune sure to please.  Very upbeat and entertaining.  A good step tune sure to keep your feet happy.  Check it out.  If you like it, download a free copy.

You can copy, distribute, advertise and play this track as long as you:

• Give credit to the artist
• Don't use this album for commercial purposes
• Distribute all derivative works under the same license

The Lucy Show - Lucy's Barbershop Quartet - Classic TV

The Lucy Show features Lucille Ball, the "First Lady of Television" at her best. Throughout the many shows, look for guest appearances by Carol Burnett, John Wayne, Vivian Vance, Milton Berle, George Burns, Ed Begley, Paul Winchell, Phil Silvers, Mel Torme, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Jim Nabors, Don Rickles, and more.

http://www.putlocker.com/file/A877B7C60A4A46E5  Link to a free copy of this show.  Free download.

Cover of Lucille Ball

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The Cook Foundation Announces Battle of the Hook Art Competition in Commemoration of the 1781 Revolutionary War Battle Free Images Supplied

Battle of the Hook- By Chuck Thompson of TTC Media (Photo credit: Battleofthehook)

A Battle of the Hook reenactment will return to Gloucester, VA Oct. 19-20 at the Inn at Warner Hall.

Free Images Available From GVLN.  See Bottom Of Post.

Calling all artists!

The Cook Foundation is pleased to announce it will sponsor a Battle of the Hook poster competition in commemoration of the 1781 Revolutionary War battle that will be reenacted in Gloucester, VA Oct. 19 and 20 at the Inn at Warner Hall.

Original paintings, drawings and silhouettes are accepted.

Submissions should depict the Tidewater, Virginia region from 1776 to 1781 and feature the themes of perseverance, endurance and courage.

The winning entry will receive a $500 prize.

The competition is open to ages 18 and up. The winning entry will become the property of the 7th Virginia Regiment, who will use the artwork to produce a commemorative poster.

The winning artist will also agree to sign a limited number of the reproductions and be available for advertising and promotions.

The $25 entry fee is tax deductible.

Completed applications must be postmarked by Aug. 15 and mailed to Gloucester Parks, Recreation & Tourism at 6467 Main Street, Gloucester, VA 23061. Applications are available athttp://www.battleofthehook.org.

Artwork must be received by 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 26 at the Gloucester Main Street Preservation Trust at 6894 Main Street, Gloucester, VA 23061. Artwork can be dropped off Aug. 23 and Aug. 26 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The winning entry will be announced Sept. 4 and unveiled at the Inn at Warner Hall’s Battle of the Hook Patriot Dinner on Sept. 11.

ABOUT THE BATTLE OF THE HOOK

On October 19 and 20 a reenactment of the 1781 Battle of the Hook that took place in Gloucester County, helping win the Siege of Yorktown and America's independence.

The reenactment, one of the largest recreations of a Revolutionary War battle, will bring together more than 1,000 infantry, cavalry, artillery and maritime landing reenactors from across the country at the Inn at Warner Hall, home of President George Washington’s ancestors.

“This Revolutionary War reenactment celebrated General Washington’s victory over the British Army,” said Warren Deal, the Battle of the Hook planning committee’s chairman. “Historic battles will be brought to life by living historians. Recreated military units from across the country will encamp near the actual battlefields where the American Revolution was won after six long years of fighting.”

This is the second Battle of the Hook reenactment. The first took place at the same location nearly five years ago.

The events leading up to the Revolutionary War’s Yorktown Campaign and the subsequent victory of the Allies that insured the independence of the United States are well known. Less well known is the Battle of the Hook – the battle that took place across the York River from Yorktown 16 days before the British capitulation. Although rather brief, it included the largest cavalry engagement of the war, with more than 500 horsemen involved.

The Inn at Warner Hall, where the reenactment will take place, is located roughly three and a half miles from U.S. Route 17 and a 30-minute drive from Colonial Williamsburg.

The battlefields of Yorktown are within 15 minutes and Jamestown, America’s first settlement, is a 50-minute drive along the scenic Colonial Parkway. The state capitol of Richmond, the Norfolk Harbor, and Virginia Beach are within an hour’s drive.

For more information about the Battle of the Hook, visit http://www.battleofthehook.org.

ABOUT THE COOK FOUNDATION

The Cook Foundation is a non-profit, private foundation in Gloucester, VA dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the community through the support of local arts and architecture. The Cook Foundation promotes aesthetic awareness and pride in the community. In June, the Cook Foundation presented its 7th Annual Symphony Under the Stars – a free family concert by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra.

For more information about the Cook Foundation, 

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/7/prweb10912498.htm  Link back to PR Web where article came from.

Need free images for your poster creation?  We have over 40 images we are giving free license to.  We will not be entering the contest for many reasons such as we do not like nor trust them.  We already have a poster for the Battle of the Hook we have been giving away and we already sell posters for the Battle of the Hook on this site.  Our profit is near nil on the posters for sale.  We didn't even want to make a profit on them but our hosting service does not allow us that option so we have the lowest margin on the Battle of the Hook collectibles we are allowed.  

http://www.flickr.com/photos/94782749@N03/sets/72157633201363512/  Link to our Battle of the Hook free licensed photo images.  You are free to use them any way you want.  We only ask that you give us credit for any image used.  It does not have to be in an obvious place, but must be given. The photos can be used for commercial purposes as well without royalties.  So design away.

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Governor McDonnell Announces 27 New Jobs in Pittsylvania County

English: Bumpersticker on the campaign trail (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

~ Dan River Plants Will Become First Commercial Spin-off from Danville’s Institute for Advanced Learning and Research ~

Governor’s AFID Fund Supports Company’s Utilization of Plant Technology Developed Jointly Between IALR, Virginia Tech

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell today announced that Dan River Plants, LLC (DRP), which uses tissue culture technology to replicate high-value horticulture and grass plants for conversion into bio-energy, will become the first official commercial venture by the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR).  DRP will invest more than $1.3 million and create at least 27 new jobs in Pittsylvania County’s Ringgold East Industrial Park, as part of its move and expansion from the Charles Hawkins Research Center at the IALR.

            Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McDonnell said, “Dan River Plants’ project highlights the high-level of cooperation in the Commonwealth between our research universities, the private sector, and our local and regional economic development allies. It also underscores the economic transformation taking place in Southern Virginia as the region leverages its agricultural and manufacturing heritage to create employment opportunities using modern technology.  This administration has focused on fostering economic opportunities in every corner of the Commonwealth, particularly in our rural regions. Fully incorporating agriculture and forestry into our overall economic development and jobs creation agenda, appointing the first-ever Deputy Secretary for Rural Economic Development, and creating and funding the first of its kind Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund (AFID) are key components in our efforts to partner with the private sector to create more jobs and opportunities for our citizens.”

            The micropropagation technology employed by DRP stems from the collaboration between the Institute for Sustainable and Renewable Resources at IALR and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech.  The technology allows for the production of a large number of identical plants from a single plant, by removing small portions of the plant material and using special growing media and techniques to grow each portion into an identical plant.  This technology is very useful for the mass production of high-value, specialized plant varieties that do not reproduce identically or quickly under other production systems. 

            “While I am thrilled about the new jobs and investment this project brings to the region, as well as the important milestone IALR has reached, I am especially pleased to see the deployment of an important new asset for Virginia’s horticulture and nursery industry, the fifth largest agricultural sector in the Commonwealth,” said Todd Haymore, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry.  “I applaud the entrepreneurial spirit of Dan River Plants’ leadership and the important work they’ve done with IALR and Virginia Tech to further boost Virginia’s diverse agricultural economy.”

            Operations at Dan River Plant Propagation Center, now DRP (www.danriverplants.com), have been underway at IALR for over two years, thanks in part to start-up support provided by the Danville Regional Foundation. With current expansion plans in place, the project is expected to move quickly, with a ground breaking ceremony planned for August and hiring to begin by spring 2014.

            “The expansion of Dan River Plants proves that the technology developed at the Institute translates into economic impact for Southern Virginia. Danville will be recognized as a leader in modern, innovative ag-based business,” said Jerry Gwaltney, IALR’s Acting Executive Director.

            “We are pleased that a site in Ringgold East Industrial Park, developed with assistance from the Tobacco Commission, could be part of the incentive package that helped make this project a reality.  We welcome the new jobs and investment in our community and look forward to their long term success.” said Marshall Ecker, Chairman of the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors.  “This project shows how well the County and its partners can work together to further the interests of the region.”

            “It’s great that the Institute has spun off DRP, just as they had envisioned. I wish them lots of success. This is good for the region,” said Jeremy Stratton, Director of Economic Development for the City of Danville.

            The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services worked with Pittsylvania County and IALR to help make the project a reality. Governor McDonnell approved a $150,000 matching grant from the Governor's AFID Fund to assist Pittsylvania with the project. The project is receiving additional assistance through the State's Enterprise Zone Program and through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program; the Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide funding and services to support the company's recruitment, training and retraining activities.

            According to a 2013 economic impact study, 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 creation of the AFID was part of Governor McDonnell’s jobs-creation and economic development agenda during the 2012 session of the General Assembly.  Funded at $1 million in each year of the biennium, the AFID is broken into two categories with $750,000 going to large grants to assist local efforts in expanding current or attracting new agriculture and forestry processing facilities using Virginia-grown products (http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/agribusiness/afid.shtml) and $250,000 dedicated to small grants to assist localities in improving local economic development efforts relating to agribusiness (http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/agribusiness/planning.shtml).

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