Livestock producers in 14 Central/Southside Virginia Counties will be eligible for matching grants this year under a program funded by the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission. During its Jan. 12 meeting in Richmond, the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission approved $300,000 in Agribusiness grant funding for the Central Virginia Producer Support Grant Program.

The Central Virginia Producer Support Grant Program offers producers in a 14-county region an opportunity to apply for a cost share incentive of up to $3,300 per producer.

This project includes the counties of Amelia, Appomattox, Bedford, Brunswick, Buckingham, Campbell, Charlotte, Cumberland, Halifax, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Nottoway, Pittsylvania and Prince Edward. The grant focuses on three components: hay wrappers, creep feeders/mix wagons & cold storage facilities thereby, enhancing farm profitability with corresponding benefits to the region’s overall economy. Cost share funds will be available to agricultural producers who meet all eligibility requirements.

“I am pleased the $300,000 Central Virginia Producer Support Grant program recommended by the Agribusiness Committee was approved by the Virginia Tobacco Commission”, said Del. Thomas C. Wright, Jr. (R-61st). “Produce and livestock farmers will have the opportunity to enhance their production capabilities which will benefit the regions overall economy.” Wright is a member of the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission and the Tobacco Commission Agribusiness Committee.