Governor Glenn Youngkin Awards 12 Grants to Local Food Production Projects – Patriot Publishing LLC

Report on Governor Glenn Youngkin’s Award of Grants to Local Food Production Projects in Virginia

Introduction

On the occasion of Virginia Agriculture Week, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced the allocation of 12 infrastructure grants totaling over $497,000. These grants aim to support local food production and agricultural facilities across Virginia. The initiative is administered by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) and is part of the Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) fund.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This grant program significantly advances several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including:

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger – By enhancing local food systems and supporting agricultural producers, the grants contribute to food security and nutrition.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The projects stimulate economic development and job creation within local communities.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Investment in infrastructure such as food hubs, commercial kitchens, and processing facilities fosters sustainable industrialization.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Strengthening local markets and food systems promotes resilient and sustainable urban and rural communities.

Program Overview

The AFID infrastructure grant program provides reimbursable grants primarily for capital projects at:

1. Food hubs
2. Farmers’ markets
3. Commercial kitchens
4. Value-added facilities for processing and packaging agricultural products such as meats, dairy, and produce

Further information on the program is available at VDACS AFID Infrastructure Grants.

Details of Awarded Projects

The following 12 projects received AFID infrastructure grants, each contributing to sustainable local food systems and economic growth:

1. Town of Pulaski – $50,000
   Construction of a new permanent, open-air marketplace on Main Street to support local agricultural producers and customers.
2. City of Roanoke – $50,000
   Installation of new awnings at the Historic Roanoke City Market to enhance vendor capacity and market stall availability.
3. Town of Tazewell – $28,244
   Building a new farmers market pavilion on the Clinch River to provide vendor protection and a permanent market location.
4. Fluvanna County – $7,374
   Purchase of commercial kitchen equipment and electrical upgrades to expand the Fluvanna County Commercial Kitchen’s functionality.
5. Town of Crewe – $50,000
   Renovation and equipment buildout of a 6,000 sq. ft. commercial facility to create a community-centered food hub improving food security and market access.
6. Spotsylvania County – $50,000
   Construction of an abattoir and related facilities to create jobs and provide local meat processing options for producers.
7. Town of New Market – $45,100
   Renovation of a vacant kitchen into a shared-use, certified commercial commissary kitchen for processing local food products.
8. Pulaski County – $19,540
   Expansion of Mountain View Farm’s on-farm meat processing capabilities to meet local demand for value-added meat products.
9. City of Charlottesville – $50,000
   Purchase of packaging and distribution equipment for the Beacon Kitchen shared-use commercial kitchen.
10. City of Winchester – $47,900
    Construction of a new commissary kitchen to support local food entrepreneurs lacking commercial kitchen access.
11. Shenandoah County – $50,000
    Renovation of a commercial kitchen space in New Market to accommodate multiple vendors and support business growth.
12. Cumberland County – $49,546
    Purchase of refrigerated cases for the new Cumberland County Grocery Store, which will feature local products and create 15 jobs.

Conclusion

The awarded grants demonstrate a strategic investment in Virginia’s agricultural infrastructure, directly supporting the achievement of multiple Sustainable Development Goals. By fostering local food production, enhancing food security, and promoting economic development, these projects contribute to building resilient and sustainable communities across the state.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • The article discusses grants awarded to support local food production, farmers markets, and food hubs, which directly contribute to improving food security and eliminating hunger in communities.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • By supporting small and mid-scale agricultural operations, creating jobs, and spurring economic development, the projects promote sustained, inclusive economic growth and productive employment.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • The infrastructure grants fund capital projects such as commercial kitchens, food processing, packaging facilities, and market infrastructure, fostering resilient infrastructure and innovation.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Supporting local food systems and value-added agricultural products encourages sustainable consumption and production patterns.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 2 Targets
   • Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, including through secure and equal access to land, resources, and markets.
   • Target 2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices.
   • Target 2.1: End hunger and ensure access by all people to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food all year round.
2. SDG 8 Targets
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation.
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all.
3. SDG 9 Targets
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure to support economic development and human well-being.
   • Target 9.3: Increase the access of small-scale industrial and other enterprises to financial services and integration into value chains and markets.
4. SDG 12 Targets
   • Target 12.2: Achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
   • Target 12.3: Halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators for SDG 2
   • Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture (implied through support for local food production and infrastructure).
   • Prevalence of undernourishment or food insecurity (implied by the goal to eliminate hunger in communities).
   • Number of small-scale food producers supported (implied by grants targeting small and mid-scale operations).
2. Indicators for SDG 8
   • Unemployment rate and number of jobs created (implied by job creation through infrastructure projects).
   • Number of enterprises supported and economic output from agriculture-related activities.
3. Indicators for SDG 9
   • Proportion of small-scale industries with access to infrastructure and services (implied by grants for commercial kitchens and food hubs).
   • Investment in infrastructure for agriculture and food processing.
4. Indicators for SDG 12
   • Food loss and waste metrics at production and retail levels (implied by improved processing and storage facilities).
   • Amount of locally sourced food consumed (implied by support for local markets and producers).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: pcpatriot.com