Virginia announces farmland preservation grants

Nearly $2 million will be invested to save farmland

By Diego Flammini, Farms.com

According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Virginia was home to more than 8 million acres of farmland in 2014. Its Office of Farmland Preservation, part of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced farmland preservation grants to help keep that number from dropping.

Six localities were awarded grants and must use the funding to ensure working farmland within their boundaries is permanently preserved.

The counties of Albemarle, Fauquier and Stafford, along with the City of Virginia Beach will each receive $411,890. James City County will receive $307,889 and Clarke County will receive a grant of $42,319.

“Working farm and forest lands are important assets for Virginia’s economy as they provide products, jobs, revenue, tax dollars, and more while demanding very little, if anything, from their host localities,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Todd Haymore.

Virginia lawmakers are encouraged the grants can provide farmers with more opportunities to sell their products to a larger consumer base.

“In addition to conserving farmlands, the grants being awarded today will help Virginia continue to produce high quality agricultural products that are marketed here and around the world,” said Governor Terry McAuliffe. “Promoting natural and agricultural treasures and promoting our outstanding products are important elements of our ongoing work to build a new Virginia economy.”

In 2014, Virginia’s top five commodities in terms of production were:

1. Hay – More than $345 million worth of production
2. Soybeans – More than $259 million worth of production
3. Corn – More than $197 million worth of production
4. Tobacco – More than $119 million worth of production
5. Wheat – More than $95 million worth of production