Gov. Terry McAuliffe was in Danville Wednesday to address the first Virginia Agriculture and Biotechnology Conference at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research.
The goal of the conference was to focus on growing industries in Virginia that use biotechnology to produce everything from food to fuel.
WSET reports that the governor spoke at length about these industries and Danville's involvement. McAuliffe said Virginia is now the number two state for exporting of agricultural products.
Virginia Secretary of Agriculture Todd Haymore – a Pittsylvania County native – also addressed the conference. Haymore said the economic implications are clear, WBTM-WAKG reports. He pointed out that agriculture is the largest industry in the state, contributing $52 billion a year in annual revenue and more than 300,000 jobs across the state.
Haymore said the technology going on in Danville to turn tobacco plants into bio-fuels is exciting and will “provide new opportunities for growth in the future.” While he conceded that ag bio is a relatively small component, he said this sector holds the potential for growth in the future.
More than 200 attended the conference.