Menu

ABOUT US

The Virginia Foundation for Agriculture, Innovation and Rural Sustainability is a 501(c)(3) foundation organized in Virginia. We are a Cooperative Development Center offering technical assistance to those transitioning into, or involved in, value added agriculture. These services are offered through assistance from and cooperation of our partners.

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 Staff

Wilmer Stoneman

Wilmer Stoneman

Executive Director
Tony Banks

Tony Banks

Senior Assistant Director
Whitney Perkins

Whitney Perkins

Assistant Director
Jacob Ver Beek

Jacob Ver Beek

VAFAIRS Specialist
Matson Consulting

Matson Consulting

Consultant

Board of Directors

Meet our Board Here

Our Partners

USDA Rural Development
Virginia Cooperative Extension
VDACS
Virginia State University
Virginia Tech
Virginia Farm Bureau

Goals

  1. Transition from traditional production and marketing into more financially rewarding agricultural enterprises.
  1. Develop value-added and high value agricultural products and enhanced market opportunities.
  1. Address challenges facing farmers’ production and marketing resources.
  1. Address issues affecting the sustainability of rural Virginia.
  1. Establish a centralized resource for farmers to easily access cooperative development and value-added information.
  1. Better utilize and coordinate the wide-ranging expertise available in Virginia and better facilitate and enhance current and future efforts and programs in these areas.