The General Assembly of Virginia created the Commission of the Industry of Agriculture in 1962 to advise the Governor on the state of agriculture in Virginia and on a course of action to promote its development, to encourage and counsel persons, agencies, organizations and industries in implementing a development program. The Commission was also to work closely with agencies concerned with industrial development, coordinating efforts toward maximum farm and off-farm employment; to examine marketing procedures and new techniques for selling Virginia's farm products; and to devise plans for developing new markets for such products.

In 1966 Governor Mills E. Godwin, Jr., requested the Commission of the Industry of Agriculture to conduct ad comprehensive study to determine "what the future holds for Virginia agriculture." The Commission subsequently created the Committee on Opportunities in Virginia Agriculture with the objectives of (1) evaluating the present position and future potential of agriculture in Virginia; (2) defining agriculture in relation to other facets of the economy; (3) identifying adjustment opportunities in agriculture; and (4) pointing out means for more efficient resource use (land, labor, water, and capital).

Eight task force groups were established to achieve these objectives: Dairy, Livestock, Poultry, Horses, Agronomic Crops, Horticulture Crops, Forest Products, and General Resources. The membership consisted of key leaders representing all facets of the industry of agriculture and the task forces conducted two years of intensive research, which concluded in a final report to the Governor in 1969.