Agricultural tourism has emerged in various forms in communities throughout Virginia, with the common vision of promoting growth in the industry. Multi-purpose agricultural complexes are the focus of efforts in two counties in southwest and southside Virginia: Wythe County and Pittsylvania County. These are not only great venues to showcase and market the agricultural heritage of the region; they also create substantial economic benefits for the communities. The economic activity directly generated by both facilities will affect more than just the participants that attend events at the facility and immediately surrounding restaurant, hotels, and businesses. As this money ripples through the economy, several other sectors will be impacted. While each project had different business models, both seek to draw upon the unique assets of their regions.

OED assisted Wythe County stakeholders in researching the market and financial feasibility of an agricultural exposition center in Wythe County. The center, which would be the only such facility in Southwest Virginia, is expected to host a mix of equestrian events, livestock events, and outdoor oriented sporting events, as well as a small number of concerts, trade shows, and fairs. Financial feasibility may be achieved in the fourth year of operation, but the key to the center’s success is having a proactive management that can think creatively about the facility’s market niche, and understand how the facility fits into the community. Once built, the facility has great potential to generate significant local, regional and statewide economic impacts.

OED also assisted Pittsylvania County in researching the potential economic impacts resulting from constructing a multi-purpose agricultural complex in the county. The estimated additional economic activity in Pittsylvania and surrounding counties resulting from the existence of the center is 59 cents for every dollar spent by the center, with corresponding employment and labor income effects.