COEBURN, VA – NOVEMBER 2, 2024 – Finding a way to share the family farm which has been a part of the Rose family since 1890, while at the same time creating a business focused on agritourism, was one of the things that led David, Kelly and Jordan Rose to start up Jordan’s Pumpkin Patch on 7498 DC Caney Ridge Road, in Coeburn. In addition to pumpkins, the new business also has plans to be known for its strawberries and Sugar Baby watermelons.
Jordan’s Pumpkin Patch is a recent recipient of a $10,000 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Seed Capital Matching Grant. Seed capital grants are funded from regional funds received by VCEDA which are paid by the natural gas industry.
“Jordan’s Pumpkin Patch combines agriculture and tourism to not only demonstrate the value of farming and with future plans to expand that farming, but at the same time, the pumpkin patch allows for educational trips for area school children, the community at-large and tourists in the area who might be visiting,” said Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA executive director/general counsel. “The business projects three full-time and three part-time employees within five years.”
David Rose noted the idea to expand the farm to include a full-scale pumpkin patch business came in part from his son, Jordan, now 18, who has been selling pumpkins since he was four years old.
“We scaled it up this year, starting to plant in May,” Rose said. “The drought this year made things difficult, but we still harvested about 2,500 pumpkins this year.”
He noted the family is working on another grant with a different entity to try to put in an irrigation system to help things in the future.
By spring, he said three large greenhouses will be constructed with an eye toward growing strawberries, Sugar Baby watermelons, peppers and specialty herbs like Brassica, as well as garlic.
“We will also promote agritourism by creating entertaining events and services targeting young people and families,” Rose said. “Using controlled environments will not only allow for year-round production and ensure a steady supply to meet the growing demand for fresh, locally-grown produce; it will also increase the number of months per year that are available for agritourism.
“With a focus on sustainability and quality, we aim to become a trusted supplier of agricultural products, tourism and education in the market,” he added.
Rose said this year’s pumpkin crop was sold at local farmers’ markets and to schools and other organizations who utilize bigger numbers of pumpkins.
“We used the VCEDA grant toward the purchase of a 40-foot flatbed trailer which has helped us tremendously to get the pumpkins to market,” Rose said. “Next year, we plan to add rails on the trailer which will then also allow us to use it for hayrides as part of the experience when school groups visit Jordan’s Pumpkin Patch.”
Before the trailer, Rose said, it involved making multiple trips with a truck to make a delivery.
“It’s helped us a lot and made it where we can reach out and sell to a greater distance,” Rose said. “It’s really meant a lot to us and we greatly appreciate the investment in us and our business. It doesn’t just help us, it helps the community because we are invested in the community.”
The Roses worked with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Mountain Empire Community College (MECC) in developing their application to VCEDA and received a letter of support from the Dickenson County Industrial Development Authority.
“Meeting Jordan, one cannot help but be impressed by his drive to create an exceptional experience for the community at the pumpkin patch,” said Becki O’Quinn-Purdie, SBDC director at MECC. “His ambition to grow and expand the business for both wholesale and entertainment will provide the community and beyond with locally sourced pumpkins and a delightful farm venue. Mountain Empire’s Small Business Development Center enjoyed working with Jordan and his family on the VCEDA Seed Capital Fund application and we look forward to seeing the pumpkin patch’s continued success in the future.”
“The Dickenson County Industrial Development Authority understands that one of the keys to long term economic growth for our county is the establishment and success of small businesses,” said Dana Cronkhite, Dickenson County economic development director. “The VCEDA Seed Capital Program and the partnership with the Small Business Development Centers affords entrepreneurs an opportunity to secure capital funding, as well as coaching and guidance on beginning their business. These programs are vital for small businesses like Jordan’s Pumpkin Patch, which combines farming with tourism, creating unique experiences for the community and those who visit Dickenson County.”
Jordan’s Pumpkin Patch may be reached by calling 276-870-8190. The business also has a Facebook page and in the future plans to develop a website for online sales.
About Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority and Southwest Virginia’s e-Region: The Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1988 to enhance and diversify the region’s economy and help create jobs, markets Southwest Virginia’s e-Region and its focus on electronic information technology, energy, education, emerging technologies, and entrepreneurship. VCEDA is a unique economic development organization that manages funds for economic development projects from a percentage of the coal and natural gas severance taxes paid by coal and natural gas companies that operate in the region. Located in southwestern Virginia, the region includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise counties and the City of Norton. www.vceda.us or www.e-Region.org.
About the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority Seed Capital Matching Grant Fund: VCEDA region for-profit businesses, within qualifying business categories, one year and under with less than 10 full-time employees are eligible to apply for dollar-for-dollar matching grants up to $10,000 from the VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Fund. Applicants work with the Small Business Development Centers at Mountain Empire and Southwest Virginia community colleges to prepare the applications to VCEDA that include detailed business and financial plans. Businesses must be located in or plan to operate in the VCEDA region in southwestern Virginia that includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise counties and the City of Norton.