THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, November 2, 1994 TAG: 9411010103
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 11 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY MARY REID BARROW, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Short : 45 lines
The question: Would a farmers' market combined with a farm history center and a working farm museum be a profitable venture for Virginia Beach?
The city has awarded a $50,000 contract this fall to Economic Research Associates of McLean to answer that question.
Over the next six months the firm will conduct a financial and economic impact study on the feasibility of constructing and operating a ``farmpark'' here. Economic Research Associates will be interviewing present Farmer's Market merchants, local farmers and Farmer's Market Task Force members, said Louis Cullipher, director of agriculture. The local task force began studying the location of the present market, built in 1976 at the intersection of Princess Anne and Landstown roads, more than a year ago after construction on adjacent roadways encroached on the market's property.
Now, the consulting firm will look at a variety of components. Would a farmpark be a viable tourist attraction? Would it enhance the eco-tourism concept? Would the farmers market itself be a help to the city's agriculture economy? Would added attractions such as an equestrian center be appropriate?
``They also will compare our attributes with other farm-park museums in other states, `` Cullipher said. ``There are about 150 nationwide.''
There has been some discussion that a farmpark could be the ``gateway'' to the southern part of the city, he added, but no specific site for the new complex has been determined. As part of their contract, the consultants were asked to provide a list of site requirements for the complex.
``If we could come up with a combination of events that would be profitable for the city,'' Cullipher said, ``then we'd be in a position to get some ag-environment grants to help build it.'' ILLUSTRATION: File photo by PETER D. SUNDBERG
A variety of fruits and vegetables in the produce stands is the
strength of the Virginia Beach Farmer's Market.
by CNB