Exploration should include government agencies such as
- county zoning/administration office
- Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS)
- EPA
- USDA
- Farm Service Agency (FSA)
- Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)
- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).
Exploration should include regulations and incentives such as
- local zoning ordinances
- environmental regulations
- commodity subsidies
- cost-sharing opportunities.
Process/Skill Questions:
- What agencies are involved in the regulatory aspects of an agricultural enterprise?
- How do the NRCS and the FSA benefit agricultural producers?
- How do land-grant universities benefit producers?
- What services do county extension agents provide to producers?
- What is the contact information for the local Natural Resource Conservation Service and USDA Farm Service Center?
- What is an example of an educational/outreach idea that would help prevent farmer/community conflict in developed areas?