Grant Funding for Cumberland County

Grants will fund an agricultural economic development plan to address gaps in the rural economy and improve food access in Cumberland County

RICHMOND, VA – Governor Glenn Youngkin announced today that Cumberland County will receive a Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund Planning Grant. This grant will be combined with funding from the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission to support the creation of a strategic economic development plan aimed at identifying agricultural economic opportunities and enhancing food access in the county.

“Virginia’s agriculture sector is a cornerstone of our economy, driving growth, creating jobs, and supporting our rural communities,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “I’m excited that Cumberland County is leveraging this critical industry to develop a strategic economic plan that will unlock new opportunities and strengthen food access, fostering long-term prosperity for the entire region.”

Home to Bear Creek Lake State Park and Cumberland State Forest, Cumberland County is a rural community with a variety of recreational opportunities; however, it lacks the residential density to attract large retailers or a major grocery store, making for limited access to healthy food options.

Cumberland County will utilize a $20,000 AFID Planning Grant paired with a $20,000 grant from the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission’s Southern Virginia Program to create a strategic economic development plan aimed at attracting and growing key industries with a focus on agribusiness and the local food economy. The strategic plan will include alternative models to traditional grocery stores by making use of local agricultural resources. Cumberland County will contribute $5,000 cash match toward the project.

“The Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund is a great tool to enable Cumberland County to develop a plan to grow its agricultural economy and capitalize on existing agricultural production to expand access to local, nutritious food for residents,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr. “I am pleased the county can pair this award with funds from the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission; a good example of how Virginia agencies can partner to support the growth of the Commonwealth’s rural economy.”

“This is a great example of state agencies working together to support our communities and develop innovative solutions to the issues they are facing,” said Secretary of Commerce & Trade Caren Merrick. “Supporting our producers and our agricultural community is critical to the success of the Commonwealth as a whole and I look forward to seeing the results of this planning effort, including potential strategies that could be expanded to benefit additional localities in the future.”

“We are extremely pleased to receive these grant awards as they are vital in developing a plan to guide us in creating new business opportunities for residents while maintaining the rural character of Cumberland County,” said Cumberland County Administrator Derek Stamey.

“We are pleased to collaborate with Cumberland County and Virginia’s Key agencies on this important initiative,” said Commonwealth Regional Council Planning Director Lauren Pugh. “This partnership presents a tremendous opportunity to identify and address infrastructure needs in the agriculture sector, while also fostering innovation and new business development. Together, we are laying the foundation for a stronger, more sustainable agricultural economy that will benefit both local businesses and the broader community.”

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services administers the AFID Planning Grant program and accepts applications for the program on a rolling basis. Successful applications demonstrate a clear need, a proposed solution, and strong support from local government and the agriculture and forestry community. The AFID Planning Grant program requires a one-to-one match however, allowances for a reduced match are available for economically distressed localities. Interested localities should contact the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at (804) 786-6911 for more information.

The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission’s Southern Virginia Program seeks to invest in projects promoting economic growth and development of the Southern Virginia area of the Commonwealth’s Tobacco Region. In general, funding is made available to implement projects that advance the Commission’s priorities and measurably expand the local and regional economy. More information on this program can be obtained by calling (804) 225-2027.