The Albemarle Economic Development Authority will meet in Room 241 of the county’s office building at 401 McIntire Road in Charlottesville. (meeting info) (agenda)
Under new business, there will be a discussion of a new Growing Opportunities Virginia report on the state of the wine industry in Go Virginia Region 9. That consists of the city of Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Culpeper, Fauquier, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Madison, Nelson, Orange, and Rappahannock.
“Nearly one third of the total number of vineyards and wineries in the state are in the counties listed above,” reads the draft report. “As of 2023, 1,266 full time equivalents were employed in the region’s wineries and vineyards, accounting for over $338,000,000 of GDP for the region.”
The study seeks to encourage ways to grow the industry by increasing exports outside of Virginia. One observation is that many vineyards import grapes from off of their property. Another is that 47 percent of respondents to a survey stated that complications from climate change are a major cause of concern.
There will also be a discussion of a new memorandum of understanding between the Board of Supervisors and the Economic Development Authority. The EDA will discuss some of the draft terms including a new condition where the appointed body could authorize incentive packages up to $250,000 without consultation of the Board of Supervisors. (read the draft terms)
Before you go: The time to write and research of this article is covered by paid subscribers to Charlottesville Community Engagement. In fact, this particular installment is from the October 14, 2024 Week Ahead edition of the newsletter.
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