Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced a $34,910 planning grant from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund for Accomack and Northampton counties. The funding will support a feasibility study aimed at leveraging aquaculture, agriculture, and forestry industries on Virginia’s Eastern Shore.
“The total economic impact of agriculture and forestry to Virginia’s economy is more than $105 billion and the state’s seafood industry adds another $1.1 billion,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “It is clear that these industries are vital to the Commonwealth’s economic success and that of Accomack and Northampton counties. Developing a regional strategy that supports the growth of these industries will help to energize commercial development and create new jobs on our Eastern Shore.”
Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr added, “Congratulations to Accomack and Northampton counties on receiving this Governor’s AFID Planning Grant to conduct an aquaculture, agriculture and forestry feasibility study. Highlighting new growth opportunities for these industries lays the groundwork for a stronger local economy and improved way of life for county residents and visitors.”
The Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission will oversee the study as part of efforts to strengthen its Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy. The feasibility study will focus on several goals related to agribusiness and food processing, including supporting small farmers through cooperative marketing initiatives, assisting large-scale producers with value-added strategies, workforce development in partnership with Eastern Shore Community College Workforce Development and Training Center, analyzing workforce sustainability in natural resource sectors, and developing localized strategies for agricultural development aligned with regional tourism and economic objectives.
Elaine Meil, Executive Director of the Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission, stated: “The aquaculture, agriculture, and forestry sectors are vitally important to the Eastern Shores’s economy, so it is wise to include these industries in our Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy. Not only will this work help to grow these industries, it will also strengthen the counties in many different areas.”
The AFID Planning Grant program is administered by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; successful proposals must show need, offer solutions, and have strong support from local government as well as agricultural stakeholders. The program generally requires matching funds but may allow reduced matches for economically distressed areas.
