Success Story: Agriculture-Initiative

This initiative is an all-encompassing coalition of federal, state, and local agencies, as well as associations and organizations to support and promote agriculture and agribusinesses in Orange County. The Initiative provides a central location for funding, education, services, and supplies. And it’s the only model of its kind in the United States.

The goals of the Initiative include increasing awareness, appreciation, and demand for agriculture and agribusiness within the county. Goals also include increasing interest among youth to pursue agricultural professions, increasing support and resources for current and future agriculture and agribusiness, along with building a successful Orange County Farmer’s Market and Community Supported Agriculture programs.

This positively impacts members and non-members alike through education, awareness, and increased revenue within Orange County. It also enhances the value of chamber membership among farmers and agribusiness owners, and it reflects a positive perception of the Orange County Chamber as a proactive contributor to business and the community.

Contributors include the US Department of Agriculture, VA Department of Agriculture, US Small Business Administration, the County of Orange, Orange County Economic Development office, the Towns of Gordonsville and Orange, Orange County Public Schools, Virginia Farm Bureau, Virginia Agribusiness Council, Virginia Forestry Association, the Virginia Cooperative Extension, and the Orange County 4-H and Future Farmers of America organizations.