Agriculture Can Still Be Big Business

By Jim Charapich

Agribusiness in Virginia is a $79 Billion Industry — this fact was given to a group of business and farm community leaders in a meeting last Thursday in Culpeper by the Secretary of Agriculture for the State of Virginia. To put this in context he noted that Tourism in Virginia is a $19 Billion Industry. The focus of the discussion was on the state of agribusiness in Culpeper, Virginia, Nationally, and Internationally.

Our agricultural community is influenced by international forces when it comes to many products. However, one interesting fact pointed out by Michael Swanson, of Wells Fargo, was that energy costs play an increasing role in the cost of farming. A large component of this is transportation costs. Therefore, it makes sense to have locally grown products stay in the local economy thru farmers markets, super markets, and in institutional cafeterias such as local schools.

There are so many benefits to finding ways to keep local farm products purchased locally. First, it strengthens our local farmers economically. We treasure the natural beauty of the farm land in Culpeper as a part of the quality of life. Farmland is a finite resource — they are not making any more of it. We need to be proactive in preserving this important resource.

Next, as has been pointed out in so many publications, keeping a dollar spent locally multiplies the revenue in the community substantially. It just makes sense to buy from our neighbor, fellow church member, or wrestling coach. Mr. Swanson put it well when he said “Everything is connected. We just can’t see it.” This is so true in our busy lives. In this case, we can make a difference every day and we see the benefits.

In addition, it makes a difference to know where our food is grown. We work diligently to preserve our clean air, pure water, and rich farmland. We can increasingly be the beneficiaries of our stewardship through buying local products. Knowing that our products are grown in Culpeper is an assurance of quality beginning with the products and services at the Culpeper Farmers Coop and ending up on our dinner tables.

Finally, our farm families need our support. There are forces pulling at them from many sides that challenge their viability. With our Town celebration of 250 years this year — I am reminded that our community was largely built by the agricultural business leaders of Culpeper. We have a rich heritage in agribusiness.

I was inspired by one of the project managers for the Agribusiness Development Services, Virginia Department of Agriculture who spoke on Thursday.

He said “there has never been a better time to be in Agriculture in Virginia.”

He went on to describe many of the projects in operation around the State that are rich in Agribusiness success. They are born out of the entrepreneurial spirit and community support. The seeds of success are in fertile ground in Culpeper — watered by the faith of an industrious community. There is gold in the turbulent river of economic challenges.

It is up to us to find it.