Prince William County Invites Community Input to Help Shape the Future of Agribusiness and Agritourism

The Prince William County Department of Economic Development & Tourism will host three community engagement meetings at the end of the month to gather public input on the future of agribusiness and agritourism in Prince William County. 

The meetings are part of the department's ongoing Agribusiness & Agritourism Study and will provide an opportunity for residents, business owners and community stakeholders to learn about the study's progress, research methodology and goals, while sharing ideas that will help shape the county's long-term strategy regarding the topic. 

Agribusiness and agritourism encompass a wide range of industries and experiences, including traditional and organic farming, urban agriculture, livestock production, beekeeping, plant nurseries, food production, horticulture, vineyards, historic preservation, arts, outdoor recreation, lodging, food and beverage businesses, and educational tourism. 

The study is intended to develop a roadmap for growing the county's rural economy over the next decade by strengthening opportunities while building on Prince William County's rural landscapes, historic resources and locally owned businesses. 

To make participation as convenient as possible, the department will host the three meetings at businesses that support the county's agricultural community in the eastern, central and western portions of Prince William County. The meetings are open to the public and will feature a presentation by consultants from Agritecture, who is doing the study. 

Meeting schedules and locations are as follows:

• Monday, July 27, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. 
  Brentsville Hall, 9915 Discovery Blvd., Manassas  

• Tuesday, July 28, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. 
  Winery at La Grange, 4970 Antioch Road, Haymarket 

• Wednesday, July 29, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. 
  Harbour View Event Center, 13200 Marina Way, Unit 101, Woodbridge 

Residents are encouraged to register for the meeting that best fits their schedule and learn more about the Agribusiness & Agritourism Study.