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RICHMOND, VA - Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced a multijurisdictional award of a Governor's Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund Planning Grant to Accomack and Northampton counties and the towns of Wachapreague, Parksley, and Onancock to support the development of the Eastern Shore Hub Opportunity Assessment, which includes a feasibility study for a blue catfish processing facility. The $35,000 grant will fund an assessment of sustainable agriculture and agritourism opportunities within an existing 35,000-square-foot facility in Accomack County.
"Seafood and agriculture are critical economic drivers for the Eastern Shore and play an important role in Virginia's economy," said Governor Glenn Youngkin. "By developing a plan to expand the capabilities of an existing multi-use facility, with a focus on sustainable operations, we can strengthen economic development, encourage growth, create new jobs, increase visitation, and deliver lasting benefits for the surrounding region."
"Congratulations to Accomack County and all of the localities on receiving this Governor's AFID Planning Grant to complete the Eastern Shore Hub Opportunity Assessment and accompanying feasibility study for a blue catfish processing facility," said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr. "Creating a roadmap to rejuvenate a vacant property to support agriculture and seafood processing, with a focus on blue catfish, is great for the seafood industry and Virginia agriculture. It also lays the groundwork for a stronger local economy and improved way of life for Eastern Shore residents and visitors."
In 2024, the Accomack County Economic Development Authority (EDA) entered into a lease-to-purchase agreement with Eastern Shore Hub, LLC, to acquire the 35,411-square-foot agricultural complex previously known as the Robert S. Bloxom Shore Agriculture Complex. The purpose of the assessment is to explore new economic opportunities to invigorate the Eastern Shore Hub and ensure it is a vibrant, multi-use facility that supports seafood, agriculture, and local businesses in both Accomack and Northampton counties.
In addition to exploring conventional seafood processing and serving as a hub for international exports of local seafood products, a feasibility study will be conducted to determine the practicability of incorporating blue catfish processing. Inclusion of blue catfish processing would help reduce populations of this invasive species in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries while also supporting a vibrant commercial enterprise. The Accomack County EDA is partnering with the Northampton County Economic Development Authority and the Virginia Tech Center for Economic and Community Engagement to fund and develop the Eastern Shore Hub Opportunity Assessment and the feasibility study for a blue catfish processing facility.
"Thank you to the Commonwealth of Virginia, Northampton County, the towns of Wachapreague, Parksley, and Onancock, and Virginia Tech for partnering with Accomack County on this very important planning project as we work to invigorate the Eastern Shore Hub," said David Lumgair, Board Chairman, Accomack County Economic Development Authority. "We look forward to beginning this assessment that will guide efforts to build upon our agricultural strengths in the aquaculture and visitor services areas, as well as our proximity to population centers and ports along the Eastern seaboard."
"The AFID Planning Grant is an important step forward for the Eastern Shore and reflects the strength of collaboration among our localities, state partners, and economic development leaders," said Senator Bill DeSteph. "By building on the Shore's deep roots in seafood, agriculture, and aquaculture, this assessment will help position the Eastern Shore as a driver of job creation, innovation, and long-term economic growth. I appreciate Governor Youngkin and Secretary Lohr for their continued commitment to rural Virginia and to ensuring communities like ours have the tools to succeed."
"This is a great opportunity for the Eastern Shore to expand and enhance our worldwide reputation as a leader in seafood production. I want to thank Governor Youngkin for his leadership in providing grants like this one so the Shore can expand its offerings," said Delegate Rob Bloxom.
In addition to the AFID Planning Grant, additional project funds include a local cash match of $10,000 from the Accomack County EDA, in-kind match contributions of $7,500 from adjacent localities, and a 10% in-kind match through Virginia Tech's Economic Development Administration University Center program.
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services administers the AFID Planning Grant program and accepts applications for the program on a rolling basis. Successful applications demonstrate a clear need, a proposed solution, and strong support from local government and the agriculture and forestry community. The AFID Planning Grant program requires a one-to-one match, however allowances for a reduced match are available for economically distressed localities. Interested localities should contact the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at (804) 786-6911 for more information.
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