Agriculture technology farmer woman holding tablet or tablet technology to research about agriculture problems analysis data and visual icon.

"We’re thrilled to give our students the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in real-world settings, working alongside Virginia agribusiness operators to enable forward-looking strategies. By focusing on value-added and product differentiation models, we’re helping both students and producers build the skills needed for long-term success through the use of agribusiness analytics." Mario Ortez

An initiative funded by the Extension Risk Management Education Competitive Grants Program is set to reshape how Virginia’s farmers and agribusiness operators approach financial decision-making.

The project will be led through The Kohl Centre at Virginia Tech and is designed to help participants move beyond the commodity markets and embrace forward-looking strategies like value-added production and product differentiation.

At the heart of this effort is a deep commitment to experiential learning. Faculty members Mario Ortez, John Bovay, and Le Wang will bring both academic and real-world expertise to the project, working directly with undergraduate students through the Kohl Centre Agri-Food Finance Fellows to develop and deliver hands-on programming.

Launched in 2024, the Agri-Food Finance Fellowship is a first-of-its-kind experiential learning opportunity at Virginia Tech that equips students with skills at the intersection of finance, the agri-food sector, and advanced analytical tools such as AI and machine learning. Fellows engage directly with Kohl Centre partners through industry projects, site visits, and conferences, while also benefiting from tailored programming that includes guest speakers from the investment, ag lending, and agribusiness communities.

The project unfolds in two key phases:

  • Phase 1 (Fall 2025): “Economics of Value Added and Product Differentiation”
    Regional in-person workshops will offer farmers tailored insights based on their local crops and business environments. Participants will engage with successful agribusiness owners and apply concepts in a peer-to-peer format.
  • Phase 2 (Spring 2026): “Financial Planning, Business Plan Development, and AI Tools”
    This phase emphasizes practical application. Participants will learn how to create income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow forecasts. They’ll also be introduced to AI-powered tools that support financial and industry analysis. The culmination of the workshop is the creation of a personalized business plan, essential for securing investments and long-term success.

All workshops will be supported by recorded materials and an accessible toolkit, ensuring broad and continued impact. Resources will be made available through Virginia Tech’s Kohl Centre, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, and affiliated departments.

This initiative not only strengthens the business acumen of Virginia’s farmers but also bridges academic learning with community impact. Undergraduate students will be active contributors—gaining hands-on skills, engaging with real-world agribusiness challenges, and participating in the creation of solutions that matter.

The project is funded by the Extension Risk Management Education Competitive Grants Program through the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and will transform how Virginia farmers and agribusinesses make financial decisions.  

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE GRANT

By Melissa Vidmar, Communications, Marketing, and Partnerships Manager