As the state’s slogan says, Virginia is for lovers – including lovers of the land. Agriculture is Virginia’s largest private industry by far, with nothing else coming a close second. The industry has an economic impact of $70 billion annually and provides more than 334,000 jobs in the Commonwealth. The industries of agriculture and forestry together have a total economic impact of over $91 billion and provide more than 334,000 jobs in the Commonwealth. Every job in agriculture and forestry supports 1.7 jobs elsewhere in Virginia’s economy.
According to a 2017 economic impact study, production agriculture employs nearly 54,000 farmers and workers in Virginia and generates approximately $3.8 billion in total output. In addition, value-added industries, those that depend on farm commodities, employ more than 69,000 workers. When the employment and value-added impact of agriculture and forestry are considered together, they make up 9.5 percent of the state’s total gross domestic product.*
In addition to its tangible benefits such as farm cash receipts and jobs, agriculture provides many intangible benefits. These include recreation, tourism, wildlife habitat, biodiversity, flood mitigation, improved water quality and soil stabilization.
Learn more below about the history, successes and future of Virginia’s agriculture and forestry industries.
Virginia Agriculture History: A Timeline
African-American Agricultural Leaders
African Americans have played an important role in building the foundation of Virginia’s agriculture industry and continue to serve as innovative producers, educators and government leaders who are elevating the agriculture and forestry industries to new heights both in Virginia and across the nation. Learn more about these leaders by watching these short videos.
Virginia Cooperative Extension: Advancing the Wellbeing of All Virginians
Virginia Cooperative Extension was established in 1914 as a partnership between Virginia’s two land-grant universities: Virginia Tech and Virginia State University. Through 107 offices, 11 research and Extension Centers, one agricultural research station, and six 4-H centers across the commonwealth, our agents, specialists, researchers and volunteers work to assist farmers, educate youth, guide responsible resource management, and advance the wellbeing of all Virginians.
Virginia State University Extension Impacts
Virginia Tech Extension Impacts
