Agribusiness

Approximately 85% of the County’s land is zoned Rural Agricultural Conversation (RAC) making agriculture a significant part of Isle of Wight County life, both as a major industry and as a chief component of the County’s rural character.

Agriculture and forestry exports from Virginia were valued at $2.97 billion in 2018, an increase of $290 million over 2017. This is exciting news for Isle of Wight County where agriculture and forestry are among the County’s top industry sectors. The top export products for the state were soybeans and soybean products, wood products (lumber, logs and wood pellets), tobacco, pork and poultry.

Isle of Wight County is home to a variety of agribusinesses including national companies such as International Paper and The Scoular Company, Virginia companies such as Montague Farms, Franklin Lumber and Commonwealth Gin and a number of local horse farms and farm operations that produce farm fresh products, ham, peanuts, wine grapes, hay, Christmas trees and more.

Montague Farms, a soybean producer, buyer, and exporter of natto soybeans to Korea is located in Windsor. Isle of Wight is fast becoming the agriculture hub for Southeast Virginia because potential agriculture ventures and expansion opportunities feel confident in the County’s commitment to the agriculture industry.

Visit the Farms

Enjoy a taste of “Life on the Farm!” Visit one of our locally owned farms that infuse the County with its rich rural flavor. Take a tour, buy some locally grown fresh produce and learn more about where your food comes from! Get lost in a pumpkin maze, bump along on a hay ride, touch the soft wool of an alpaca, get the buzz on some bees, buy some grass fed/grass finished beef, visit a vineyard or simply enjoy the natural beauty of the rural setting. These farms of Isle of Wight County welcome visitors and shoppers alike. (Call ahead before you make plans to visit though as their hours vary seasonally.)

Smithfield Farmers Market

The Smithfield Farmers Market, which celebrated its 20th season in 2022, is dedicated to being a genuine homegrown, homemade and handcrafted farmers’ market. Our vendors are local farmers, ranchers, home cooks, crafters, artisans and craftsmen within 100 miles of Smithfield, Virginia.

The market runs every Saturday morning, beginning April 6, 2024, 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. through December and will close out with Holiday/Specialty markets in November and Christmas Food & Craft markets in December. The Smithfield Farmers Market is held in the BSV parking lot at 115 Main Street in Historic Smithfield.

Additional Agribusiness Resources:

Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Virginia Cooperative Extension (Isle of Wight County)
Virginia Agribusiness Council
Farm Credit Knowledge Center
Virginia Agriculture (Farm Flavor)