Governor Abigail Spanberger has announced a $113.9 million investment by the Virginia Poultry Growers Cooperative, Inc. (VPGC) to expand operations in Rockingham County—a project expected to create 146 new jobs and strengthen Virginia’s agricultural economy.
At the center of the multi‑phase expansion is the construction of a state‑of‑the‑art feed mill and grain processing facility, featuring nearly two million cubic feet of storage—the largest feed mill capacity on the East Coast. The investment will allow VPGC to process 4.5 million additional turkeys and purchase 2.4 million more bushels of corn and wheat from Virginia farmers over the next three years.
Additional project components include a new rail spur at the Linville facility, water treatment upgrades at the Hinton facility, increased turkey processing capacity, and expanded opportunities for family farms across the region.
Founded and fully owned by its growers, VPGC returns 100% of its profits to Virginia farmers, keeping agricultural dollars working locally. Since 2004, the cooperative has grown into one of the nation’s leading commercial turkey processors, known for antibiotic‑free and organic products supplied to domestic and global markets.
The project was supported through a public‑private partnership involving state, regional, and local organizations. Governor Spanberger approved $2.25 million in grants, including performance‑based and agriculture‑focused funding, as well as rail infrastructure support.
This historic investment underscores agriculture’s role as a powerful economic driver—creating jobs, strengthening farm viability, and supporting long‑term growth in rural Virginia.
On March 27, 2026, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced new federal guidance aimed at addressing widespread Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system failures impacting farmers, truckers, and other diesel equipment operators across the country. The announcement was made during the White House Great American Agriculture Celebration and represents the latest step by the EPA to respond to long‑standing operational and safety concerns tied to DEF systems.
What Are DEF Systems—and Why Have They Been a Problem?
Diesel Exhaust Fluid systems are a core component of modern diesel engines, designed to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions through selective catalytic reduction. While effective for emissions compliance, DEF systems—particularly DEF quality sensors—have been linked to frequent malfunctions.
Operators have reported that faulty sensors can cause unexpected power reductions, speed limitations, or complete shutdowns, even when the engine is otherwise functional. These failures have led to safety risks, lost productivity, missed planting or harvest windows, and costly repairs for farmers and transportation operators nationwide.
What the New EPA Guidance Does
Under the new guidance, the EPA removes the federal requirement for DEF quality sensors on diesel equipment. Manufacturers may now rely on NOx sensors as an alternative compliance pathway for meeting emissions standards.
According to the EPA, eliminating the DEF sensor requirement provides immediate flexibility to manufacturers and relief to equipment operators, while still maintaining emissions compliance through other monitoring systems.
Economic Impact and Industry Relief
The EPA estimates substantial cost savings as a result of the updated guidance:
$4.4 billion annually in savings for farmers, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration
$13.79 billion in total annual savings nationwide, driven by reduced repair costs and less downtime from equipment failures
Industry groups and equipment operators have welcomed the change, noting that DEF sensor failures represented a major source of warranty claims and operational interruptions, particularly during critical work periods.
Additional Actions Underway
The March 27 guidance follows earlier EPA actions to address DEF-related problems:
In August 2025, EPA encouraged manufacturers to revise DEF software to reduce sudden derating events.
In February 2026, EPA demanded detailed failure data from 14 major manufacturers representing more than 80% of DEF system components on the market.
The agency has also reaffirmed equipment operators’ Right to Repair, including repairs related to DEF systems.
The EPA has indicated that further regulatory proposals may follow, including potential rulemaking to address DEF-related deratements in newly manufactured engines.
What This Means for Farmers and Diesel Operators
For producers, truckers, and equipment owners, this guidance may:
Reduce unexpected equipment shutdowns
Lower repair and maintenance costs
Increase operational reliability during peak seasons
Offer manufacturers greater flexibility in compliance design
Operators should note that this guidance applies to federal emissions requirements and does not eliminate all emissions controls—rather, it allows alternate compliance mechanisms that may be more reliable in real‑world conditions.
Looking Ahead
The EPA’s action signals a shift toward balancing emissions compliance with practical reliability concerns raised by the agricultural and transportation communities. As additional data is reviewed and further rulemaking is considered, equipment owners and manufacturers are encouraged to stay informed of ongoing regulatory updates.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced a national campaign to promote the updated “Product of USA” voluntary labeling standard for meat, poultry and egg products. The standard, which took effect Jan. 1, requires that animals be born, raised, harvested and processed in the United States for a product to carry the label.
Rollins said the change is designed to provide transparency for consumers and ensure that farmers committed to a fully domestic supply chain can compete fairly.
Administration officials noted that the update comes as the U.S. continues to lose family farms and faces a 75-year-low national cattle herd, even as consumer demand for beef has grown.
The updated definition ends the previous practice of allowing imported meat to qualify as domestic after minimal processing. Companies choosing to use the label must meet the fully U.S.-sourced requirement.
Virginia agriculture leaders say the shift aligns closely with state efforts to strengthen local beef production. The Virginia Verified Meat program, launched in 2025, certifies beef born, raised and processed within the commonwealth. Created through 2024 legislation, the program aims to support local producers, ensure truth in labeling, and increase consumer trust in Virginia-sourced meat. It also complements recent state legislation requiring lab grown or cell-cultivated proteins to be clearly labeled to prevent misleading marketing.
Jake Tabor, Virginia Farm Bureau legislative specialist for livestock issues, said the federal and state standards work hand in hand.
“Virginia’s livestock producers take pride in raising a high-quality product from start to finish, and both the ‘Product of USA’ and Virginia Verified Meat standards help ensure that commitment is recognized,” Tabor said. “Clear labeling gives Virginia farmers the fairness they deserve and gives consumers confidence that choosing local truly supports our communities.”
The announcement is part of USDA’s broader effort to strengthen domestic processing capacity and support American farmers.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a temporary emergency fuel waiver that will allow nationwide sales of E15 gasoline and remove federal barriers to selling E10 fuel across the country. The action, taken in consultation with the Department of Energy and under authority of the Clean Air Act, is designed to strengthen the domestic fuel supply and provide Americans with relief at the pump ahead of the summer driving season.
Beginning May 1, 2026, EPA’s waiver will keep E15 — gasoline blended with 15% ethanol — available nationwide and prevent supply disruptions during peak travel months. Without this action, roughly half the country would be unable to sell E15 this summer. The waiver also temporarily removes enforcement of state “boutique fuel” requirements, allowing a consistent national fuel standard and improving distribution efficiency.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said the move will increase fuel supply and consumer choice while maintaining environmental protections. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins emphasized that year‑round access to E15 benefits both drivers and farmers by expanding markets for American‑grown biofuels and supporting domestic energy independence.
E15 is already offered at more than 3,000 gas stations nationwide and is often a lower‑cost option for consumers. By temporarily easing volatility and blending requirements for gasoline, EPA aims to reduce reliance on imported fuel, lower energy costs and reinforce America’s domestic energy supply.
The waiver will initially remain in effect through May 20, 2026, with EPA continuing to monitor fuel supply conditions and prepared to extend the action if necessary.
Session is wrapping up fast! With just one week to go, our team is hard at work advocating for full funding of AgBMP cost-share programs and supporting key partners like Virginia’s meat processors. As session winds down, we’re gearing up to hit the road for regional policy development meetings. We hope to see you there!
Halfway through the 2026 General Assembly session, your advocacy is making a difference in Richmond! From progress on biosolids legislation to protecting key labor exemptions, Farm Bureau policies continue to advance at the General Assembly. Catch this week’s highlights and see what’s ahead as we prepare for Budget Sunday and our upcoming Farm Woman Lobby Day and Centennial Celebration.
This week, we’re updating you on Delegate Clark’s HB 1375, which would ban a critical pesticide used by Virginia farmers. We’re also tracking bills that support our new VFBF policy for a producer‑friendly definition of agrivoltaics.
And we’re gearing up for Legislative Day, when more than 100 Farm Bureau members will meet with legislators to advocate for agriculture’s top priorities, including:
🌱 AgBMPs 🍎 Commodity Checkoffs – Apple & Peanuts 🖥️ Data Centers 🌲 Growing the Agriculture & Forestry Industry 🌿 Invasive Species & Noxious Weeds 👷 Labor 🐄 Large Animal Veterinary Shortage 🥩 Misbranded Labeling of Meat 🧪 Pesticides: Ban on Paraquat ☀️ Solar 🧫 Testing PFAS/PFOA in Biosolids Application 🦌 Wildlife Depredation
Stay connected as we continue advocating for Virginia agriculture.
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