Governor Glenn Youngkin has recently announced grants totaling $127,500 to strengthen local food systems in Virginia. These grants, funded through the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund Infrastructure Grant program, will support three important projects. Firstly, a new farmers market will be constructed in Craig County. Secondly, the Dorey Park Farmers Market in Henrico County will be expanded. Lastly, improvements will be made to Cullipher Farm’s on-farm market in the City of Virginia Beach. These investments are expected to enhance agricultural infrastructure, improve access to locally grown produce, and reduce food insecurity in communities across the state.
Governor Youngkin’s initiative aims to revitalize Virginia’s local food production and support sustainable agriculture. The AFID Fund Infrastructure Grant program, established by the General Assembly in 2021, focuses on empowering small-scale farmers and food producers by funding locally identified projects. This year’s grants will have a tangible impact, with the creation of a new farmers market in Craig County, the expansion of an existing market in Henrico County, and improvements to an on-farm market in Virginia Beach.
Governor Youngkin emphasized the importance of these grants in fortifying local agricultural infrastructure and strengthening connections between producers and consumers. He highlighted the positive impact they will have on food access and the well-being of families across Virginia. Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matt Lohr, a former farmer himself, stressed the challenges faced by farming families in reaching consumers. He noted that this funding will not only enhance revenue prospects for local producers but also address food insecurity by expanding access to fresh, locally sourced foods in multiple communities.
The three transformative projects that will receive the grants include the construction of a new farmers market in Craig County, the expansion of the Dorey Park Farmers Market in Henrico County, and improvements to Cullipher Farm’s on-farm market in Virginia Beach. These investments aim to bridge gaps in access to fresh, locally grown produce and foster stronger connections between producers and consumers throughout the Commonwealth. Overall, these grants will play a crucial role in strengthening Virginia’s local food systems and promoting food security for its residents.
