Prince William County Examines the Future of Agribusiness and Agritourism

The Prince William County Department of Economic Development and Tourism (PWCDEDT) recently asked residents, farmers, agricultural businesses and other community stakeholders to weigh in on strategic discussions designed to help refine the county’s Agribusiness and Agritourism study and move the project toward completion.

“We’re always encouraging farmers to stay involved and advocate for themselves, and knowing what’s going on at the county level is one of the most direct ways to do that,” said Matt Mulder, Director of Operations at the Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food & Agriculture.

The county, in partnership with Agritecture LLC, conducted an Agribusiness & Agritourism study to develop a strategy for strengthening the county’s rural economy over the next decade. Recently, the Prince William County Department of Economic Development and Tourism hosted three community conversations on July 27–29 focused on the future of agribusiness and agritourism in Prince William County. Mulder added, “We received the email and wanted to share it with our community since a number of our program participants and graduates have been in Prince William County.”

According to the county, more than 100 residents and local business owners participated in the three community conversations, which were held in different magisterial districts throughout the county. The meetings aimed to increase awareness of the study and give residents an opportunity to provide feedback directly to county officials and staff on preliminary findings and recommendations.

Interactive polling showed strong support for addressing farm tax policies and reducing regulatory barriers, providing grants and training for working farmers, promoting locally grown products through a “Grown in Prince William County” campaign, and establishing a permanent, government-supported agriculture development office with regional marketing efforts.

The study comes as the county looks to build on the economic and cultural assets found throughout its rural communities. It examines the current state and growth potential of agriculture, agritourism and rural businesses throughout Prince William County. Researchers are using market research, competitive benchmarking and industry assessments to identify opportunities and develop recommendations for implementation.

Prince William County’s rural areas include working farms, wineries, historic sites, outdoor recreation, local businesses and other destinations that contribute to the character of the community and attract residents and visitors.

During one of the community meetings, some residents said they were unaware of the survey, which has remained open throughout the 10-month study. In response, the county published a link to the survey on the PWC Works project page Aug. 5. The survey will remain open through Sept. 1, 2026. The county expects to determine by late September or early October whether the additional responses will affect the study’s data analysis.

The findings are expected to guide future economic development decisions, including potential changes to the Arts and Agritourism Overlay District, as well as recommendations for funding, staffing and implementation. According to the county, the study could identify opportunities to support farmers, expand small businesses, create jobs and attract visitors interested in the region’s agricultural heritage and natural resources.

The study identified visibility as one of seven areas for improvement, with recommendations that could make local agriculture more accessible to residents and visitors. Proposed strategies include improved farm signage, coordinated farm trails and routes, and a “PWC Grown” label to help consumers identify and support locally produced food and agricultural products. The recommendations could also increase revenue for local agricultural businesses by encouraging visitors to explore farms and other destinations.

Community members also suggested partnering with local schools to create or expand agricultural education programs. County officials say the effort is intended to help diversify the local economy while increasing tax revenues and preserving the historic, cultural and natural resources that contribute to the county’s identity.

The county’s final recommendations are expected to help determine which opportunities should be prioritized, what resources may be needed and how the county can balance economic development with the preservation of its agricultural, historic and natural assets.

As the study moves forward, the county will continue gathering community input through Sept. 1, 2026. Residents, farmers and agribusinesses can participate in the survey and help shape the future of these industries in Prince William County. An update on whether additional responses affect the study’s data analysis is expected in late September or early October, and Agritecture is expected to present the completed study to the Prince William Board of County Supervisors this fall.