By Sarah Roebuck
Corrections1
RICHMOND, Va. — A program at the Virginia Department of Corrections that gives inmates a chance to work in agribusiness has been featured on a TV show, VADOC announced in a press release.
Virginia Farm Bureau’s “Real Virginia” highlighted VADOC’s agribusiness program in an episode called “Sowing Seeds of Opportunity.” The episode followed three inmate workers at State Farm Correctional Complex in Goochland and Powhatan counties. The inmates shared insights about the valuable re-entry skills they are gaining in beef cattle production, crop management and machinery operation.
The VADOC manages up to 9,500 acres of crops and pastures, growing and producing much of the food for inmates, including fruits, vegetables and milk, VADOC said. These practices save taxpayer dollars and provide inmates with valuable skills, according to VADOC.
“Our inmate population is learning cutting-edge industry standards in farming, and this can help prepare them for jobs in agriculture after release, which helps ensure long-term public safety,” said VADOC Director Chad Dotson. “Thank you to Virginia Farm Bureau and host Burke Moeller for telling this important story about a wonderful program.”
Inmate workers or “trustees” are generally low-risk inmates. In the video below, risk management expert and Lexipol co-founder Gordan Graham outlines effective management of inmate worker programs.