2022 Virginia FAIRS Innovation Challenge

Virginia Foundation for Agriculture, Innovation and Rural Sustainability (VAFAIRS) is hosting its new Agricultural and Forestry Innovation Challenge, a business pitch competition for rural Virginia!

Applications are being accepted now until 11:59pm September 15 from individuals and businesses with new and innovative business ideas, services or products with application in the agriculture and forestry industries both rural and urban settings.
Possible entries include new products, technologies or services, process improvements, establishment of new markets or food and fiber systems that could have a positive impact here in Virginia.
Winners can take home up to $15,000 in cash; up to a total of $30,000 is available to win.

The Challenge is also known as the Bull Pen. Full contest details can be found at www.vafairs.com/bullpen. Visit VAFAIRS website to find out more about VAFAIRS.

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International Market Research

The Impact of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act on Virginia Businesses
The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) came into force on June 21, 2022. It changes U.S. policy on China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region with the goal of ensuring that U.S. businesses aren’t funding or involved in forced labor among the Uyghur ethnic minority. VEDP's latest brief contains and overview of the act and how it will affect Virginia businesses.

What Does the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework Mean for Virginia Businesses?
The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is a new, loosely defined economic bloc launched by the United States. The framework includes 14 participating countries but is not a free trade agreement. To learn more about IPEF, download the two-page brief.

Reach out to VEDP for more information!

Business Spotlight!

Each month we will spotlight a Goochland business!

Ogburn Construction

Do you have damaged or cracked concrete at your home or business? With nearly 30 years of experience in the residential contracting industry, Ogburn Construction has earned a reputation for delivering superior results and exceptional customer experiences. If you have a damaged driveway, pool deck, patio, or walkway, you can trust them to lift, level, and protect it without having to go through the disruption and expense of total concrete replacement. Ogburn Construction cares about your satisfaction. They provide cracked concrete repair, concrete leveling, and concrete sealing solutions that are sure to restore slabs, boost property value, and provide permanent results. Contact them for a free quote at www.ogburnconstructioninc.com

Looking to Grow in Goochland?

Check out available building and sites in Goochland to grow your business and give us a call to chat!

Image Credit: Tea Montagna, 2015

Preserving our Roots:
Agri-Businesses in Goochland

Article submitted by Nicole Shuman, Goochland's Agriculture Extension Agent.

Last month, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services expanded the Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine area from Frederick, Warren and Clarke counties, and the City of Winchester to include the following localities: Buena Vista, Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, Lexington, Lynchburg, Manassas, Staunton, Waynesboro, Albemarle, Augusta, Carroll, Page, Prince William, Rockingham, Rockbridge, Shenandoah, and Wythe. This invasive insect isn’t in Goochland… yet.

Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) is very damaging to a number of economically important horticultural crops, like wine grapes. I encourage everyone to learn to identify this insect, and to report any potential sightings to your local Extension Office. You can learn to identify SLF here: https://ext.vt.edu/agriculture/commercial-horticulture/spotted-lanternfly.html

SLF is happy to lay its eggs on pretty much any surface. When plants, plant parts, and other goods are transported, the eggs can come along for the ride. Thus, certain regulations apply to the quarantine area. There are no restrictions on goods or regulated items moving into the quarantine area from outside, or on their movement within the quarantine area. Homeowners should inspect household goods that are stored outside and complete a Spotted Lanternfly Checklist prior to moving these items out of the quarantine area. Businesses who transport regulated items out of the quarantine area must be permitted and complete inspections prior to transport. Business that transport goods through the quarantine area between April 1 and December 31 do not need to be permitted, provided that they do not stop for reasons other than refueling and traffic. More information is available here: https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/dam/pubs_ext_vt_edu/ENTO/ento-319/ENTO-512.pdf

Please contact the Goochland Extension Office if you would like more information on the Spotted Lanternfly.

Upcoming Events & Training

The Capital Region Small Business Development Center Goochland Office hours were a huge hit! We have added another date in September! The Capital Region SBDC offers FREE and confidential business guidance.