An Extension Leadership Council (ELC) is a key ingredient for success in developing, implementing, and evaluating Extension programs that serve the local community. This publication offers practical guidelines and resources for successfully engaging a local ELC. Contents include council responsibilities, criteria for membership, a sample position description, focus topics for regular meetings, and a template for meeting agendas. It is intended as a resource for both volunteers and Extension personnel.

Historically underserved producers often face systemic barriers when accessing wholesale markets, including limited capital, regulatory complexity, and insufficient technical assistance. This study draws on a regional producer survey and interviews with both producers and technical assistance providers to assess wholesale readiness and identify technical assistance needs for Black, Hispanic, and Tribal producers. Findings highlight operational and infrastructural constraints, gaps in culturally responsive assistance, and mistrust of institutions. Recommendations emphasize tailored capacity building, improved infrastructure, and equitable, long-term program delivery.

Historically underserved producers often face systemic barriers when accessing wholesale markets, including limited capital, regulatory complexity, and insufficient technical assistance. This study draws on a regional producer survey and interviews with both producers and technical assistance providers to assess wholesale readiness and identify technical assistance needs for Black, Hispanic, and Tribal producers. Findings highlight operational and infrastructural constraints, gaps in culturally responsive assistance, and mistrust of institutions. Recommendations emphasize tailored capacity building, improved infrastructure, and equitable, long-term program delivery.

There are many factors to consider before you start a new farm enterprise. Labor issues are often underemphasized in the decision-making processes of beginning farmers. It is important to consider who you will hire, where you will find help, how you will manage your employees, and what legal matters are relevant to your farm.

The purpose of the Introduction to Whole Farm Planning module is to help beginning farmers and ranchers in Virginia make informed farm planning decisions by introducing them to the whole farm planning process.

Starting a farm is an exciting yet challenging opportunity. As with any new undertaking, there is a lot to think about before beginning a farm venture. Gaining access to farmland, viable markets, capital and credit, as well as hands-on training and resources are some of the most important startup issues to consider as part of. the planning process. You are likely asking yourself, “Where do I begin?” The purpose of this resource is to help newcomers make informed decisions at the start of the planning process. This “quick guide” is primarily designed for beginning farmers and ranchers, but service providers will also find this resource useful for answering questions about the farm startup process. This foundational work offers a valuable starting point on which to create a successful whole farm plan for a new agricultural venture.

The purpose of the Virginia Beginning Farmer Profiles is to help beginning farmers and ranchers in Virginia gain knowledge about farm start-up and planning from first-hand, personal experiences shared by other beginning farmers. This educational resource is component of the Virginia Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coalition Program’s Whole Farm Planning curriculum.

The purpose of the Technical Assistance and Resource Directory is to help beginning farmers and ranchers in Virginia know what resources and resource professionals are available to them as they plan their new farm or ranch. The service and resource professionals featured throughout this directory are Coalition partners and are excellent points of contact for beginning farmers/ranchers and other service providers. The Virginia Beginning Farmer & Rancher Coalition Program is a state-wide and coalition-based Extension program housed in Virginia Tech’s Department of Agricultural and Extension Education.

This Virginia Farm to School Resource Guide is designed to help cultivate connections between the many diverse stakeholders that support the Virginia Farm to School Program. This guide is intended to help facilitate locally and regionally-grown Virginia foods to school cafeterias and school-based meal programs. It contains research-based information, resources, and advice that can help start or expand a Farm to School initiative in your community. Farm to School programs locally and nationally come in many different shapes and sizes that are ultimately unique to the communities that develop them. Stakeholders that may find this guide helpful include: Virginia school nutrition directors, farmers, food distributors, Virginia Cooperative Extension professionals, and other school-based and agriculture-based educators and service providers interested in Farm to School programs.

With funding from the USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program in fall 2010, the Virginia Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coalition Program aims to meet the expressed needs of Virginia’s beginning farmers and support the development of social networks through which they can gain vital skills, information, technical assistance, and business capacity for long-term agricultural viability (see www.vabeginningfarmer.org).

Virginia’s food system directly impacts the survival and viability of farms and farmland; the economic development of rural and urban communities; the care, restoration, and resilience of ecological resources such as local waterways; and critical health issues. We use the language of community, local, and regional food systems to broadly define a complex and interconnected set of systems and pathways that comprise sustainable food production, processing, distribution, consumption, and waste management to bring about social, economic, and ecological change that benefits all residents.

The use of drones can be a safe and productive addition to your farm. However, there are many considerations that must be taken into account before purchasing and using a drone. This introductory publication is not intended to be used as a comprehensive drone resource. Therefore, please contact AgrAbility Virginia at www.agrabilityvirginia.org for more information and suggestions on incorporating drones into your farm or ranch operations.

This publication is a teaching resource (series of lesson plans) developed by a participant in the Graduate Extension Scholars (GES) program.

This publication is a teaching resource (series of lesson plans) developed by a participant in the Graduate Extension Scholars (GES) program.

occupational therapy for farmers; OT in agriculture; AgrAbility Virginia; farm injury prevention; aging farmers support; rehabilitation for farmers; assistive technology for agriculture; farmer mental health support; OT strategies for farm work; adapting farm tasks for disabilities; prosthesis use in farming; OT case study for farmers; injury recovery in agriculture; farm safety education; occupational therapy rural communities; OT health promotion for farmers; OT intervention planning; farmer wellness programs; Virginia agriculture health services; OT for agricultural workers; physical therapy for farmers; OT and farm equipment adaptation; OT and mental health in farming; OT support for small farms; Virginia Cooperative Extension occupational therapy

This publication serves as a guide for physical therapists and other health professionals to effectively support aging farmers, individuals with disabilities or injuries, farm families, and beginning farmers, health professionals must recognize the distinct physical, environmental, and cultural demands of agricultural life. By integrating wellness and rehabilitation strategies that align with farmers’ goals and work realities, physical therapists and other providers can help ensure continuity in agricultural livelihoods and enhance overall quality of life.

This quick start guide contains basic information about the Virginia FFA Agriscience Fair Competition, with links out to additional resources.

AgrAbility Virginia promotes safety, wellness, and accessibility on the farm through education, rehabilitative services, and assistive technology. AgrAbility Virginia is a partnership program between Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, Virginia Cooperative Extension, and Easterseals UCP. AgrAbility Virginia is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA). As a statewide program, AgrAbility Virginia works closely with Virginia's rehabilitation and agricultural service delivery system to increase organizational capacity and provide the best quality education and services for farmers across Virginia. AgrAbility Virginia works in partnership with the Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) and others to make recommendations for farmers regarding assistive technologies and new farm procedures and protocols that will make farming more comfortable and safer.

Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) takes pride in the premise that vital programming is based on the issues, problems, and needs of the people. A thorough analysis of the situation provides context for understanding these problems. This is a process of determining what situations exist at local, regional, and state levels, and for determining which problems have become issues of major public concern. Situation analysis provides the foundation and rationale for deciding which problems should receive the time, energy, and resources of VCE.

Helping Youth PROSPER in Virginia reflects an overview of a Sustainable Communities project by the USDA-National Institute for Food and Agriculture's CYFAR program, The various strategies and activities to bolster the positive development of pre/teen aged youth, such as weekend-long family camp, the youth-adult Strengthening Families Program, campus visits, youth mental health conference, team building and other activities to explore interest and build skills are highlighted.

There's been a lot of discussion lately about the connections between social media use and mental health among both teens and adults. In fact, the US Surgeon General issued a report about the issue. https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/sg-youth-mental-health-social-media-advisory.pdf In this session, we delve into the pros, cons, and recommendations for using social media in ways that are helpful and strategies to avoid harmful practices.

Food insecurity is a pervasive issue in communities throughout the United States, impacting the health and well-being of many households. This publication highlights food insecurity, specifically in Southwest Virginia, which has particularly high food insecurity rates, and brings attention to initiatives and organizations striving to reduce its effects.

This video provides guidance for migrant farmworkers on how to set up a bank account safely and confidently. Access to banking services is an important step toward financial stability, yet many workers may be unfamiliar with the process or unsure of requirements. The video explains basic steps for opening an account, outlines necessary documents, and highlights the benefits of using a bank instead of carrying cash. By increasing financial knowledge and access, this resource supports farmworkers in managing their money securely and building long-term financial well-being.

This video provides essential information to help migrant farmworkers recognize and avoid text message scams. As mobile phone use increases, scammers are increasingly targeting workers with fraudulent messages related to jobs, finances, or personal information. The video highlights common warning signs of scams, offers practical tips for protecting personal information, and encourages viewers to take simple steps to stay safe. By raising awareness and promoting digital safety, this resource supports the well-being and financial security of farmworker communities.

This guide presents practical strategies for local governments and regional commissions seeking to strengthen food system resilience in Appalachian communities. Drawing from group interviews with 113 municipal, county, and regional officials conducted across Appalachia in 2024–2025, the guide identifies actionable approaches that local entities can adapt to their specific context, capacity, and priorities. Strategies covered include conducting food system assessments, forming food policy councils, revising zoning to support urban agriculture, operating mobile markets, incentivizing healthy food offerings in corner stores, and establishing locally owned grocery stores. An appendix documents additional strategies identified by participants for which implementation resources are still emerging. Each strategy includes a description, implementation process, real-world examples, and links to key resources. Funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, this guide is intended to support continued action and collaboration across Appalachian communities working to build more resilient, equitable, and accessible local food systems.

This publication outlines the Agricultural Cyberbiosecurity Education Resource Collection, a suite of educational resources that support educators working with middle school youth in formal and non-formal (e.g., 4-H) agricultural education settings. These resources, collaboratively developed by a team of faculty, educators, and students, use agriculture as an accessible entry point into the emerging field of cyberbiosecurity.

One of the objectives of the Advancing Urban Agriculture and Sustainable Food Systems in Virginia Initiative was to launch an urban agriculture mini-grant program. A total of seven organizations across Virginia received funding following the submission and approval of the mini-grant outreach plan to the USDA. Each recipient demonstrated progress and success. Contributors to this project are Virginia Cooperative Extension, the Virginia Tech Center for Food Systems and Community Transformation, Virginia State University, Small Farm Outreach Program, Happily Natural, Petersburg League of Urban Growers (P.L.U.G.), and partners from USDA and FSA.

This report examines the current state of urban agriculture, its historical development, and its role in addressing food production, food access, and sustainable development in cities across the United States, with particular attention to Virginia. Drawing on academic literature and project-based experience, this assessment situates urban agriculture as a key component of developing and sustaining healthy food systems, encompassing the cultivation, processing, and distribution of food in urban and peri-urban areas (Pradhan et al., 2023). It further highlights its environmental, social, and economic benefits, including increased access to fresh food, stronger community engagement, and reduced transportation impacts, all of which contribute to more sustainable local environments (Halvey et al., 2021; Yan et al., 2022; Gunapala et al., 2025).

The article explores the emergence and significance of SmartRiver technology as an innovative solution to address challenges in river management. SmartRivers, which are equipped with advanced sensors and technology, offer real-time insights into river health. Rappahannock SmartRiver Initiative is used as an example. The article discusses both advantages and potential vulnerabilities associated with the integration of technology such as wireless sensor networks in the rivers. The importance of community-based participatory research (CBPR) approaches to ensure engagement and relevance in decision-making is emphasized. Furthermore, it highlights the need for effective communication strategies to raise community awareness and engagement in river management efforts.

You are likely asking yourself, “Where do I begin?” The purpose of this tool is to help you gather a solid basis of information as you consider your “start-up” situation. Once you have completed as much as you can of this worksheet (or if you have any questions along the way), please bring it to your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office to get guidance on where to go next: http://www.ext.vt.edu/offices/index.html. Good Luck! We look forward to helping you bring your farm vision to life!

Grape acreage and production have been steadily increasing in the US. In 2010 there were approximately 23,000 farms with a total of 944,800 acres producing grapes. Ninety percent of these farms are smaller than 100 acres and about 16,000 of these were vineyards. California accounts for about 90% of the total production in the US. The next two largest grape producing states are Washington and New York and they produce approximately 6% and 2% respectively (NASS-USDA, 2014)

One key responsibility of VCE unit leader positions is the preparation, submission and approval of local budget requests. UCs/UEDs must also manage locally appropriated funds in full compliance with Virginia Tech (VT) and VCE policies and procedures.

VCE unit leaders foster strong relationships and maintaining open communication with local government officials to keep them informed of Extension activities and included in relevant initiatives. Unit leaders actively engage with local government, support community priorities, and seek opportunities to collaborate on initiatives that align with Extension’s mission and the needs of the locality.

VCE unit leaders use a coaching style to motivate, encourage, and support unit staff. Leaders foster a positive work environment and manage interpersonal dynamics within the unit, including conflict, to ensure a collaborative and productive team culture.

Unit Leaders, in collaboration with their District Director, represent VCE in negotiations with local government regarding new or updated Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs). These agreements outline the roles, responsibilities, and expectations between VCE and local partners while ensuring alignment with current VCE and Virginia Tech policies, guidance, and strategic priorities.

Unit Leaders, in collaboration with their District Director, represent VCE in negotiations with local government regarding new or updated Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs). These agreements outline the roles, responsibilities, and expectations between VCE and local partners while ensuring alignment with current VCE and Virginia Tech policies, guidance, and strategic priorities.

Unit Leaders, in collaboration with their District Director, work with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) Human Resources office to develop and recruit for classified staff, wage and faculty employment positions. Unit Leaders ensure that hiring efforts align with VCE’s standards and attract candidates who are well-suited to serve the needs of the local community.

Unit leaders are expected to organize regular unit meetings, designed to foster team cohesion and identify opportunities for collaboration. Unit Leaders also share key district and state-level initiatives, and reinforce policies and expectations to ensure alignment with broader organizational goals.

VCE unit leader positions cultivate strong local relationships and partnerships which help the unit identify individuals who can serve on Extension Leadership Council (ELC) to reflect the needs and priorities of the community. Units can leverage the collective input of an ELC to guide programming decisions. and ensure that Extension programs remain relevant, responsive, and aligned with local interests.