December 18, 2023
VDACS Launches Centralized Webpage with New and Beginning Farmer Resources
Contact: Michael Wallace

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) has curated a centralized list of valuable Resources for New and Beginning Farmers. This new website is designed to provide new and beginning agricultural producers with a list of available public resources to assist them in planning and starting their operations.

The list of resources includes financial information, farm planning, training programs, technical assistance, conservation information, farm safety, and farm stress. The site also contains links to videos from a recent seminar, hosted by the Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry and Virginia State University. These seminar videos allow viewers to hear directly from subject matter experts, gain insight into public and private financing options, and hear questions asked by other prospective farmers.

“After speaking with numerous beginning and prospective farmers, financing is their number one challenge,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr. “Being able to centralize content from our partners and video recordings of our recent seminar is extremely valuable to those just starting down this road. We hope those that couldn’t make it to the seminar will watch the videos and take away important information to help their venture thrive.”

“Anyone who is in agriculture or starting a new business knows, time is valuable and having these resources in one place is essential,” said VDACS Commissioner Joseph Guthrie. “I encourage new and beginning farmers to check this new resource website often, as it will be updated with new information as it becomes available.”

To learn about upcoming financial seminars in other areas of the state, follow VDACS on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).

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