Near the conclusion of each two-year legislative session, Virginia Farm Bureau presents the Friend of Farm Bureau Award to members of Congress. Virginia senators and representatives are nominated for the award by Virginia Farm Bureau Federation (VFBF) and approved by the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Board of Directors.

We are proud to announce that eight members of Virginia’s congressional delegation have been recognized with the Friend of Farm Bureau Award for supporting agriculture-related policies in the 116th Congress.

To be eligible for nomination, members of Congress must consistently vote in support of Farm Bureau’s policy positions. The voting records are based on AFBF priority issues, as determined by its Board of Directors. The Friend of Farm Bureau Award is not a political endorsement but rather a recognition of the member’s support for agriculture as demonstrated over the past two years.

The Virginia Friend of Farm Bureau recipients for the 116th Congress are:

• Senator Mark Warner
• Senator Timothy Kaine
• Representative Rob Wittman (VA-1)
• Representative Elaine Luria (VA-2)
• Representative Denver Riggleman (VA-5)
• Representative Benjamin Cline (VA-6)
• Representative Abigail Spanberger (VA-7)
• Representative Morgan Griffith (VA-9)

“On behalf of Virginia Farm Bureau, the state’s largest general farm organization, we’d like to thank these members of Virginia’s congressional delegation for supporting policies that benefit agriculture,” said VFBF President Wayne Pryor. “Their support helps to preserve the future of family farms in the Commonwealth, maintain our ability to feed a growing population and provide resources to assist farmers in implementing sustainable practices on the farm. Farm families have been greatly challenged in recent years, particularly in 2020, and continued support from our Congressional delegation is vital to ensure the future success of our industry.”

“I’ve been proud to support legislation that benefits and strengthens opportunities for farmers in Central Virginia and across the United States, and I’m honored to receive this recognition from the American Farm Bureau Federation,” said Rep. Spanberger. “I look forward to continuing my work on the Agriculture Committee, and I will continue reaching across the aisle in the U.S. House to build bipartisan support for legislation that improves profitability, increases market stability, and incentivizes innovation in the American ag industry for years to come.”

“It cannot be overstated how essential the work of our farmers and agricultural producers is to the American economy and the economy of the Sixth District. Their contributions have been especially highlighted over the last several months as American farmers have worked tirelessly through this pandemic to keep food on the shelves and our tables,” said Rep. Cline. “During my tenure in Congress, I have fought to ensure our agriculture policy supports farmers and provides an environment where they can thrive. From fair trade deals to expanding broadband access so that agricultural producers can compete in the modern economy, the interests of farmers and ranchers have always been forefront in my mind.”