Farming grants are planted for Bedford County

Although agriculture has long been the backbone of Bedford County's economy, it hasn't always received the attention it deserved, said Sue Montgomery, the county's Director of Economic Development.

"We have a great many farmers, but they are not as profitable as they should be," she said.

To bolster agriculture, the county is looking at ways to use technology to enhance training and education. Two state grants may bring signs of change for the county's farmers.

The state Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission awarded up to $190,000 to Bedford agriculturalists Tuesday.

That first grant will be used to develop the state's first community college agricultural education program. The curriculum will be developed at Central Virginia Community College's Bedford campus.

The community college's main campus is in Lynchburg.

The curriculum could provide training for such jobs as meat cutters and animal geneticists.

"It is everything from the standard jobs you are used to seeing to moving toward becoming more sophisticated," Montgomery said.

A researcher will be hired as part of the grant to determine specific local interest and needs.

The Bedford County Board of Supervisors in August pledged to provide a benefits package for the position for one year if the grant is awarded. The cost is expected to be between $15,000 and $20,000 and the college will assume the cost after the first year.