Virginia Foundation for Agriculture, Innovation and Rural Sustainability

Supporting Virginia Agricultural Producers

VAFAIRS is a 501(c)(3) foundation organized in Virginia. Since 2004, we have provided technical assistance to Virginia agricultural producers and cooperatives, particularly those transitioning into or involved in value-added agriculture.

Our Mission

The Virginia Foundation for Agriculture, Innovation and Rural Sustainability will foster sustainable agricultural economic development opportunities that empower farmers, agribusinesses, and their communities.

Our Goals

Help producers transition into more profitable agricultural enterprises and markets.
Support the development of value-added and high-value agricultural products and market opportunities.
Address production and marketing challenges facing farmers.
Support the long-term sustainability of rural Virginia.
Provide a centralized resource for cooperative development and value-added agriculture information.
Connect and coordinate expertise across Virginia to strengthen agricultural programs and resources.

Our Services

VAFAIRS provides personalized support to help Virginia agricultural producers, businesses, and groups develop new opportunities and strengthen their operations. Our services generally fall into two areas: Cooperative Development and Rural Business & Enterprise Development.

Cooperative Development helps groups of producers work together toward shared goals, from developing the right business structure to establishing effective governance and decision-making processes.

Rural Business & Enterprise Development provides more individualized support to agricultural producers and rural businesses, such as exploring new markets, developing value-added products, strengthening business plans, and identifying opportunities for growth.

Not sure what assistance your business needs? Explore our specific services below to learn more.

Grant Assistance

VAFAIRS works with agricultural producers and rural businesses to identify funding opportunities and navigate the grant application process from start to finish. Our team can assist with researching potential funding sources, determining program fit and eligibility, preparing and reviewing applications, developing supporting materials, and assisting with post-award requirements.

We have experience working with a variety of private, state, and federal funding programs. VAFAIRS is particularly familiar with USDA Rural Development’s Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program and has helped numerous producers develop competitive applications. Over the years, our staff has assisted clients with successful grant applications totaling more than $10 million in funding.

Note: VA FAIRS does not administer grants or funding.
Feasibility Studies

VAFAIRS develops independent and objective feasibility studies to help producers and rural businesses determine whether a new venture, expansion, or business idea is practical and financially viable. Feasibility studies can help clients identify opportunities and challenges, make informed business decisions, and pursue grants, loans, or other financing.

Considering a new venture or expansion? VAFAIRS can help you determine if your idea is ready to move forward.
Business Planning

VAFAIRS develops customized business plans to help producers and rural businesses set goals, plan for growth, and prepare for future opportunities. Plans may include market analysis, business strategies, operations, and financial projections.

Many of our clients have shared that developing a formal business plan was one of the most valuable services they received, sometimes even more beneficial to their business than securing grant funding.

Business plans can also support applications for grants, loans, and other financing.
Strategic Planning

VAFAIRS helps businesses and organizations define their direction, set realistic goals, and develop clear strategies for the future. Strategic planning can help identify priorities, strengthen decision-making, and create actionable steps for growth.

Our team works with clients through surveys, facilitated planning sessions, SWOT analysis, and other strategic planning tools to evaluate current operations and identify opportunities for improvement.
Educational Resources

VAFAIRS develops and shares free educational resources to help agricultural producers build their knowledge and make informed business decisions. Our resource library includes VAFAIRS-published white papers, educational guides, tools, and useful resources from trusted partners on a wide range of agricultural and business topics.

Explore our resource library to find practical information and tools to support your business.
Cooperative Development

VAFAIRS helps businesses and producer groups explore and develop cooperative business models. Our services can help groups understand how cooperatives work, evaluate opportunities for collaboration, and establish effective governance structures.

Interested in forming a cooperative? VAFAIRS can help you determine if a cooperative is the right fit for your group.

Connect with the VAFAIRS team through our Contact Us form to get started.

Cost Share Structure

VAFAIRS offers many of its services on a cost-share basis, helping make high-quality technical assistance more affordable for Virginia farmers and agricultural businesses. Clients pay a portion of the project cost, while the remaining cost is supported through VAFAIRS funding. Initial consultations, general guidance, and discussions about your project are always free, and we encourage you to reach out to learn how we can help. Any services requiring a cost-share fee will be clearly outlined in a contract before work begins. If you have any questions about our service please contact us.

Our Clients

We have done projects in every corner of Virginia and most places in between too. We strive to provide solutions to every type of operation, big or small, niche or generalized. Explore the map to see where we’ve worked and learn more about the clients we serve.

Support Our Mission

Invest in the future of Virginia agriculture. Your support helps VAFAIRS keep professional business assistance and grant writing affordable and accessible for farmers, agribusinesses, and cooperatives across the Commonwealth.

Donate