Passionate Advocates for Economic Viability

Visiting Southern (or Southside) Virginia was another educational experience for me. Growing up close to this region means I am familiar with the agriculture, but I was in for some surprises. I thought Megan, our fearless leader, set the stage well as we kicked off this trip in Danville by watching a video of August Wallmeyer speak about the extremes of Virginia from the Bee Hotel, a former newspaper business converted to a boutique hotel. It seems the theme of community revitalization kept popping up during our tour.

Mr. Wallmeyer explained the “extremes” of Virginia – Southwest, Southside, and the Eastern Shore as “separate and unequal Commonwealths” that are rural, poor, and largely forgotten in comparison to the other more urban regions of the state. Many industries have left these areas, taking economic viability with them. The acronym ALICE – Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed – describes many in the region.

On our trip we learned about efforts to bring viability back to Southside. The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) in Danville is a regional catalyst for filling the talent pipeline in the region. It was interesting to learn about all the economic development programs and research being conducted. The GOTEC program headquartered here is preparing students for technology and engineering careers through immersive experiences at their schools. Public-private partnerships with industry have created jobs in robotics and AI which are fascinating! Research on hydroponics, analytical chemistry, and plant pathogens is ongoing, which benefits agriculture in the region and elsewhere.

On farm tours the remainder of the trip we learned how local agriculturalists have carved out their piece of the market to be successful. The McDowell’s Locust Level Farm grows beef seedstock for sale far and wide through the reputation and relationships they’ve built with beef farmers. Gregory Family Farms keeps the “family farm” concept alive by involving their children as they offer lamb, beef and pork shares to other families in VA and NC and educate their customers about the trials and joys of farming. Robert Mills of Briar View Farms shared his passion for agriculture advocacy with us. He often hosts legislators on his farm to help them experience the reality of farm life and the issues farmers face in rural Virginia. He takes his message statewide and nationally through his heavy involvement in Farm Bureau and by speaking to groups across the nation.