Governor McAuliffe announces new grant for Virginia farmers

ELK CREEK (WSLS 10) - Virginia farmers are getting help to expand their business and adjust to a changing industry.

During the annual Virginia Farm Bureau convention on Monday, Governor Terry McAuliffe announced a new grant initiative called the Virginia Farm Business Development Program.

It will help with farmers with marketing, food safety and website design, among other business needs.

Two operations, including Joe's Trees in Craig County, were the first to receive money. The program will award 30 grants of up to $5,000 each year.

"Farmers are challenged economically and age-wise, but everybody eats," said Summerfield Farm owner John Fant. "So, assistance from the government with the understanding that we all need to make sure that we preserve this way of life is important to everyone because everyone needs food."

The grant program is also designed to help producers transition their farms from one generation to the next.