Economic Development Newsletter for Agribusinesses
The Loudoun County Department of Economic Development announces a new publication for the Loudoun agribusiness community. “Loudoun Producer” will be published three times per year: once in print, and twice in an email format. The next issue is scheduled for December 14. To receive this free newsletter, email LoudounBiz@Loudoun.Gov.
“The newsletter will raise awareness of the programs and services we offer to help grow Loudoun’s agricultural enterprises,” explained Agricultural Development Officer Kellie Boles. “For example, the December 14 issue will outline the proposed Rural Economic Business Development Strategy. And every issue has a fun ‘Where’s Warren’ feature, which allows readers to win prizes by naming mystery western Loudoun locations shown in photos.”
Loudoun’s rural economy has more than 1,400 farms, which includes 32 wineries. Its equine industry is 25th in the nation, with more than 15,000 horses valued at more than $208 million.
Loudoun also has the most women-run farms in Virginia (468) and the most Hispanic-run farms as well (21). The top 10 agricultural industries in Loudoun are beef cattle, equine, sheep, goats, sod, hay, Christmas trees, nursery, fruits and vegetables.
Loudoun Economic Development’s rural business division supports the economy by:
• Helping business owners navigate the county’s zoning and permitting process;
• Assisting landowners with decisions about what crops to grow or which additional agriculture services to provide;
• Assisting with farm business planning;
• Marketing Loudoun rural businesses;
• Promoting farm-to-fork and farm-to-table initiatives;
• Organizing and assisting producer groups;
• Coordinating with the Loudoun branch of the Virginia Cooperative Extension to offer technical assistance.
“Our agricultural community is not only key to what makes Loudoun a unique success, it also contributes significantly to the overall health of the county’s economy and culture,” said the Vice Chairman of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, Janet Clarke.
Past issues of the “Loudoun Producer” newsletter will be available online at biz.loudoun.gov.