BUCKINGHAM —  Buckingham Berkshires in Gladstone will receive $49,500 to support operations and expand marketing activities as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) awarding almost $3 million in grant funding to small businesses throughout the state.

According a press release from U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, the funding will support operations and marketing at local farms, ranches, wineries and other product-based small businesses that contribute to the agricultural industry in Virginia. The businesses will receive funding under the USDA’s Value Added Producer Grant Program.

“Agriculture is an economic driver and job creator throughout the Commonwealth. These grants will help Virginia’s small businesses succeed, support local economies and strengthen Virginia’s largest industry,” U.S. Sen. Mark Warner said.

“Today’s funding will bolster local food networks and support small business activity throughout the Commonwealth,” Sen. Kaine said. “By giving these businesses the resources they need to expand operations, hire additional labor and promote their various products, we can help spur local economic activity in Virginia’s largest industry: agriculture.”