Recently named “2024 Grower of the Year” by the Virginia Vineyards Association, Doug Fabbioli has focused his career as much on educating the next generation of growers and entrepreneurs as on becoming recognized for the award-winning vintages produced at his own Fabbioli Cellars. To that end, he launched the New Ag School in 2008 to provide a venue for local agribusiness professionals to mentor students on farming practices, value-added processes, and hospitality—all in the interest of vitalizing Loudoun County’s agricultural economy and ensuring its continued robust growth.

Candid about the challenges facing his industry, Doug acknowledges that young people today aren’t often exposed to gardening, farming, raising animals, and other traditions of an agriculture-based economy. In an increasingly urbanized world, where the lure of less physically demanding, higher paying careers in business and technology may divert many job-seekers who might otherwise consider working the land, it’s not always easy to make the case for farming. Yet the direct contact with Loudoun County’s most passionate and committed agribusiness professionals afforded by the New Ag School—and the hands-on experience it offers—have introduced a new generation to a uniquely fulfilling career in our region. Doug’s investment in providing a means to pass on this valuable knowledge has greatly benefited Loudoun County.