RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Virginia has started awarding new business development grants to farmers.
Gov. Terry McAuliffe's office announced Tuesday that the state had given two $5,000 grants to two farms.
The new grants are designed to help farmers manage risk and broaden income sources. The state plans to award 30 grants a year for activities like business restructuring, farm succession planning, feasibility studies, marketing plans, website design, and recipe development.
The first two recipients are Joe's Trees in Craig County and Benjamin B. Ellis Jr. Farms in Essex County.
