Goal:  Promote a sustainable agricultural sector.

Objective 1: 

Sponsor at least 3 information/awareness events throughout the Area related to sustainable agriculture.

Timeframe:  Within the next four years

• Strategy 1: Encourage Valley newspaper reporters to write articles related to agricultural sustainability in the Area.

• Strategy 2: Promote practices, such as use of the roller crimper, and support field days and innovative projects that help increase sustainable agriculture in the Area. 

Objective 2: 

Provide support to counties implementing agricultural task force recommendations.

Timeframe:  By 2008

• Strategy 1: Review individual county agricultural task force recommendations for commonalities.

• Strategy 2: Meet with local agricultural task force representatives to explore regional commonalities expressed in task force reports for possible collaboration.

Objective 3: 

Promote alternative biomass-related energy sources including biodiesel and alternative fuels such as ethanol.

Timeframe: By 2008

• Strategy 1: Sponsor at least one workshop or event per year on alternative fuels.

Objective 4: 

Increase direct marketing opportunities for farm fresh, local products to institutions, schools, etc., to increase farmers’ bottom line.

Timeframe: By 2009

• Strategy 1: Work with Virginia Cooperative Extension to convene steering committee to discuss possible increased institutional use of locally-produced foods.

• Strategy 2: Continue work with James Madison University students/classes to explore possible increased institutional use for locally-produced foods.