April 1, 2010

Ground broken for multi-use Southside agriculture complex

GRETNA—A vision for the future of agriculture in Southside Virginia took a big step forward
March 18 with the groundbreaking for the $5.2 million Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex.
Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Todd Haymore said the complex “is going to be an extension of the farm, because it’s going to help growers and producers in the area move their products in the marketplace. This is going to be a place of commerce and trade, as well as a place of social and cultural activity.”

The seed for the idea of an agricultural complex was planted several years ago when the Pittsylvania County Farm Bureau purchased the land on U.S. Route 29 near Chatham. The property was donated to the Olde Dominion Agriculture Foundation as part of the development process.

The county Farm Bureau office, local Virginia Cooperative Extension office, local Farm Service Agency office and the Pittsylvania County Agriculture Development office will be housed in the complex. It also will have a 500-seat education room, a 53,000-square-foot covered arena for livestock shows and exhibitions, and rental space for other groups.
Organizers are planning a 40-booth retail farmers’ market on site, and the complex still has room to grow.

“We have some 50 acres of adjacent parcels that we’re thinking of turning into an ag incubator site,” said Tommy Motley, Pittsylvania County Farm Bureau president. “We have three groups considering that. So it can all be used as educational, not only the building but the grounds also.”

Southside Virginia agriculture used to be synonymous with tobacco cultivation. While tobacco remains a major player, local farmers are diversifying into food production, Haymore said.

“I just think it’s a great opportunity for the farmers, but it’s also a great opportunity for the folks that will be visiting here and purchasing goods and products.”

Fundraising for the project is ongoing. The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission gave the ag complex foundation $1.88 million, and the foundation says it has raised another $2 million so far. Construction is expected to be finished by the end of the year.

Contact Motley at 434-656-1395 or Norm Hyde, VFBF senior video producer, at 804-290-1146.