By Beth Hester
CoVaBIZ: What was the impetus for establishing this position in 2025?
Julia Hillegass: “That’s a great question. Agriculture has always been a major part of Suffolk’s identity. What’s changed is the level of complexity farmers are dealing with today. Between development pressure, shifting markets, and generational transitions, there’s a real need for someone focused specifically on agriculture. This position was created to make sure our farmers have a direct line into local government—someone who understands their challenges and can help connect them to resources, advocate for them, and think strategically about the future of agriculture in Suffolk.”
CoVaBIZ: How much of Suffolk’s agriculture is family or small-to-medium scale?
Hillegass: “The short answer is: Most of it. The majority of farms in Suffolk are family-owned, and many have been passed down for generations. Even some of our larger operations are still very much family-run. And across the board, we’re seeing more small-to-mid-sized producers diversifying—whether that’s specialty crops, direct sales, or agritourism—to stay competitive.”
CoVaBIZ: What is being done to support smaller farms and bring in younger generations?
Hillegass: “A big focus for us is lowering barriers and creating opportunities. We’re looking at things like grant programs, technical assistance, and ways to help farms expand into new revenue streams—whether that’s value-added products, new market access, or agritourism. Engaging younger generations means showing that agriculture can be both profitable and innovative. That includes highlighting technology adoption, conservation practices, and entrepreneurship opportunities within the industry.”
CoVaBIZ: What are you seeing on the ground with current challenges?
Hillegass: “Farmers in Suffolk are feeling the cumulative weight of multiple pressures—input costs, labor availability, and market uncertainty being among the most immediate. At the same time, development pressures and climate variability are long-term concerns that influence decision-making. That said, Suffolk’s farmers are incredibly resilient. They’re adapting—whether that’s through diversification, new technologies in precision agriculture, or conservation practices. There’s also a strong sense of community here, where people share knowledge and support each other.
CoVaBIZ: What marketing approaches are working best?
Hillegass: “The farms that really stand out are the ones telling their story. People want to know who grew their food and fiber—and how it was produced. Farms that lean into branding, social media engagement, and direct-to-consumer sales, such as farmers’ markets and on-farm experiences, tend to stand out.”
CoVaBIZ: How do you balance growth with preservation?
Hillegass: “It’s definitely a balancing act, but it comes down to being intentional. The City of Suffolk has a lot of land and a strong rural identity, so we have the opportunity to plan growth in a way that makes sense. At the same time, preserving farmland isn’t just about land—it’s about keeping farming economically viable. If farms can’t succeed as businesses, preservation becomes much harder.”
CoVaBIZ: How do you build public understanding of agriculture?
Hillegass: “A lot of it is about connection. Events like farmers’ markets, farm tours, and school programs give people a chance to see agriculture up close. We also try to highlight the stories behind the farms—because once people understand the work and care that goes into it, they’re much more likely to support local agriculture.”
CoVaBIZ: How important is collaboration? Any new partnerships?
Hillegass: “It’s critical. Agriculture touches so many different areas—education, workforce, environmental stewardship—that collaboration really isn’t optional, it is essential. We’re continuing to build partnerships with local groups, businesses, universities, agencies, and others across the region to look at things like workforce development and agribusiness innovation. There are a lot of opportunities when everyone is working together.”
CoVaBIZ: What agritourism trends are you seeing?
Hillegass: “It’s becoming much more experience-driven. People aren’t just buying products. They want to spend time on farms, attend events, and learn something while they’re there. We’re also seeing more interest in educational experiences, especially around sustainability and local food systems. Farms that can offer a combination of recreation, education, and retail are seeing strong engagement.”
CoVaBIZ: Why is Suffolk such a strong region for cotton?
Hillegass: “Suffolk and southeastern Virginia benefit from a combination of soil composition, climate, and a long growing season that is particularly well-suited for cotton. The region’s sandy loam soils provide excellent drainage, while warm temperatures and adequate rainfall support strong yields. On top of that, there’s generations of experience here, along with advances in technology and seed development. It all adds up to a high-quality product that’s competitive well beyond our region.”
CoVaBIZ: What’s something people might not realize about agriculture in Suffolk?
Hillegass: “I think people would be surprised at how innovative it is. There’s a lot of technology, a lot of business strategy, and a lot of forward thinking happening on our farms. It’s an industry rooted in tradition, but it’s constantly evolving, and that’s part of what makes it so interesting.”
CoVaBIZ: Who would you invite to a dinner party, and why?
Hillegass: “I would invite George Washington Carver for his groundbreaking work in crop innovation and soil health; Temple Grandin for her insights into animal welfare and agricultural systems; and Wendell Berry for his perspective on land stewardship and the cultural importance of farming. Each of them brings a unique lens—science, ethics, and philosophy—that would make for a meaningful and thought-provoking conversation about the future of agriculture.”
