Author: VFB Governmental Relations

Virginia Grants Awarded to Support Local Food Systems

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Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced today the latest awards from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund Infrastructure Grant program. Three projects will receive $127,500 in competitively awarded, matching grants for new community infrastructure development projects that support local food production and sustainable agriculture.

Created by the General Assembly in 2021, AFID infrastructure grants are awarded to support locally identified investments that aid small-scale farmers and food producers in growing their operations. This round of grant awards will support the construction of a new farmers market in Craig County, the expansion of an existing farmers market in Henrico County, and the improvement of an on-farm market in the city of Virginia Beach.

“This round of grant awards helps to strengthen the local agricultural infrastructure in these communities by improving the connection between producers and consumers,” said Youngkin. “This funding will enhance and expand opportunities for both farmers and consumers, and we are helping support food access and family health throughout the Commonwealth.”

“As a farmer myself, I understand the challenges many farming families face trying to get their goods in the hands of consumers and this funding helps bridge the gap,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matt Lohr. “In addition to improving revenue opportunities for local producers, these grants aid in reducing food insecurity by increasing access to fresh local foods in several communities.”

The following projects are receiving funding in this round of the AFID Infrastructure Grant program:

New Farmers Market
Craig County
$50,000

Craig County is receiving funding to support the construction of a farmers market with public restrooms in the town of New Castle. A rural area with a population of 5,200, Craig County and the town of New Castle have only one small grocery store and residents must travel a minimum of 20 miles to access the nearest farmers market. The new farmers market will have a positive impact on the agricultural community by providing another avenue for locally grown produce to be sold within the surrounding community. The application is a joint effort between Craig County, Craig County Economic Development Authority, and the town of New Castle.

Farmers Market Expansion
Henrico County
$50,000

Henrico County is receiving funding to support the expansion of the Dorey Park Farmers Market which will provide expanded shelter for consumers, an educational programming space, and a separate office and storage area for the market managers. Established in 2018, the Dorey Park Farmers Market has quickly grown to more than 40 vendors. The market was established around an existing, small shelter which has become undersized for the number of vendors and consumers it serves. The project benefits the community with an improved market facility that provides access to locally grown produce as well as an improved retail outlet for local farmers to sell their products – both of which are essential for continued growth and success.

On-Farm Market Improvement and Equipment Upgrade
City of Virginia Beach
$27,500

The city of Virginia Beach is receiving funding to support Cullipher Farm in the installation of a new 10 by 20-foot freezer and additional irrigation equipment for its orchards and vineyards. Cullipher Farm is a multi-generational family-owned business that produces a variety of traditional vegetable and fruit crops for sale in its on-farm market as well as canned goods, baked goods, ice cream and beef. In addition to a robust “you-pick” operation and on-farm experiences, the business grows and processes various types of fruits for juice and has recently expanded into beef cattle. Currently limited in on-site freezer space, the installation of a new freezer will enable the company to be more efficient in its juice pressing with larger production runs and store more frozen products on-site. It will also enable the company to be more efficient in its beef processing, with larger production runs and less trips to the processor which is located 100 miles away. The additional irrigation equipment will increase productivity of farm crops as well as potentially help minimize losses due to freezes.

Administered by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the AFID Infrastructure Grant program, in partnership with local governments, awards grants to develop community infrastructure in support of local food production and sustainable agriculture. Applications for the next round of this grant program will be accepted in the spring of 2024. Additional information about the program is available here.

VFBF AgPAC endorses 101 candidates for General Assembly seats

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Virginia Farm Bureau Federation AgPAC, Farm Bureau’s political action committee, recently announced its endorsement of 32 candidates for the Virginia Senate and 69 candidates for the Virginia House of Delegates. Though the committee did not endorse a candidate in each district’s race, Farm Bureau values many candidates’ open-door policies, and anticipates building strong working relationships with them.

The endorsements are based on recommendations of local committees of farmers.

“Candidates are evaluated through a grassroots process that assesses their understanding of the needs and challenges that we as farmers face in today’s times,” said Wayne F. Pryor, VFBF president and chairman of the VFBF AgPAC board of trustees. “Those who have received the AgPAC endorsement have a history of supporting issues important to agriculture or have demonstrated their commitment through their participation in the evaluation process.”

Throughout the year, the VFBF Women’s Leadership and Young Farmers committees facilitate relationships between agriculturalists and legislators from both rural and urban districts—building partnerships that ensure a sustainable future for the state’s largest industry. Speaking directly with representatives of the General Assembly at farmer-focused summits, in-person visits and legislative roundtables statewide resulted in more opportunities for members to become a voice for agriculture and serve as resources for lawmakers.

Candidates are neither endorsed nor denied endorsements based on policy stances unrelated to farming or forestry.

“We believe these candidates will help protect the agriculture and forestry industries and ensure that they remain the No. 1 industries in the commonwealth,” Pryor continued.

Friendly incumbents have a track record of working with farmers at the local level, said Martha Moore, senior vice president of VFBF governmental relations.

“The newcomers our farmers endorsed for the House and Senate have demonstrated a willingness to listen, seeking to understand the nuances of agricultural issues specific to Virginia’s farmers and foresters,” she added.

The non-partisan VFBF AgPAC was created in 1999 and employs in-kind contributions and endorsements to support candidates who can best support agriculture and Farm Bureau issues.

The following candidates were endorsed (* indicates incumbent candidates):

Endorsed for Virginia Senate

Senate DistrictCandidate
SD1Timmy French (R)
SD2 Mark Obenshain* (R)
SD3 Christopher Head (R)
SD4 Dave Suetterlein* (R)
SD5 Travis Hackworth* (R)
SD6 Todd Pillion* (R)
SD7 Bill Stanley* (R)
SD8 Mark Peake* (R)
SD9 Frank Ruff* (R)
SD10 John McGuire (R)
SD11 Creigh Deeds* (D)
SD12 Glen Sturtevant (R)
SD13 Lashrecse Aird (D)
SD15 Ghazala Hashmi* (D)
SD16 Siobhan Dunnavant* (R)
SD17 Emily Brewer (R)
SD18 Louise Lucas* (D)
SD19 Christie New Craig (R)
SD20 Bill DeSteph* (R)
SD21 Angelia Williams Graves (D)
SD23 Mamie Locke* (D)
SD24 Monty Mason* (D)
SD25 Richard Stuart* (R)
SD26 Ryan McDougle* (R)
SD27 Tara Durant (R)
SD28 Bryce Reeves* (R)
SD29 Jeremy McPike* (D)
SD34 Scott Surovell* (D)
SD35 Dave Marsden* (D)
SD38 Jennifer Boysko* (D)
SD39 Adam Ebbin* (D)
SD40 Barbara Favola* (D)

Endorsed for Virginia House of Delegates

House DistrictCandidate
HD1Patrick Hope* (D)
HD3 Alfonso Lopez* (D)
HD4 Charniele Herring* (D)
HD5 Elizabeth Bennett-Parker* (D)
HD6 Rip Sullivan* (D)
HD8 Irene Shin* (D)
HD9 Karrie Delaney* (D)
HD10 Dan Helmer* (D)
HD11 David Bulova* (D)
HD12 Holly Seibold* (D)
HD14 Vivian Watts* (D)
HD16 Paul Krizek* (D)
HD17 Mark Sickles* (D)
HD18 Kathy Tran* (D)
HD20 Michelle Maldonado* (D)
HD25 Briana Sewell* (D)
HD26 Kannan Srinivasan (D)
HD27 Atoosa Reaser (D)
HD28 David Reid* (D)
HD31 Delores Oates (R)
HD32 Bill Wiley* (R)
HD33 Todd Gilbert* (R)
HD34 Tony Wilt* (R)
HD35 Chris Runion* (R)
HD36 Ellen Campbell* (R)
HD37 Terry Austin* (R)
HD38 Sam Rasoul* (D)
HD39 Will Davis (R)
HD40 Joe McNamara* (R)
HD42 Jason Ballard* (R)
HD43 Will Morefield* (R)
HD44 Israel O’Quinn* (R)
HD45 Terry Kilgore* (R)
HD46 Jed Arnold (R)
HD47 Wren Williams* (R)
HD48 Les Adams* (R)
HD49 Danny Marshall* (R)
HD50 Tommy Wright* (R)
HD52 Wendell Walker* (R)
HD53 Tim Griffin (R)
HD56 Tom Garrett (R)
HD59 Buddy Fowler* (R)
HD60 Scott Wyatt* (R)
HD61 Michael Webert* (R)
HD62Nick Freitas* (R)
HD63 Phillip Scott* (R)
HD64 Paul Milde (R)
HD66 Bobby Orrock* (R)
HD67 Hillary Pugh Kent (R)
HD68 Keith Hodges* (R)
HD69 Chad Green (R)
HD70 Shelly Simonds* (D)
HD71 Amanda Batten* (R)
HD72 Lee Ware* (R)
HD73 Mark Earley Jr. (R)
HD74 Mike Cherry* (R)
HD75 Carrie Coyner* (R)
HD78 Betsy Carr* (D)
HD81 Delores McQuinn* (D)
HD82 Kim Taylor* (R)
HD83 Otto Wachsmann* (R)
HD86 A.C. Cordoza* (R)
HD88 Don Scott* (D)
HD90 Jay Leftwich* (R)
HD91 Cliff Hayes* (D)
HD97 Karen Greenhalgh* (R)
HD98 Barry Knight* (R)
HD99 Anne Ferrell Tata* (R)
HD100 Rob Bloxom Jr.* (R)

Interested in Becoming a Beekeeper? A Virginia Grant Can Help You Get Started

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A Virginia grant program for backyard beekeepers will surely get a lot of buzz. Interested beekeepers or those wanting to expand, are eligible to receive up to three hive units at no cost through a lottery system from qualified applications submitted to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS).

Applications for the Beehive Distribution Program will be accepted August 28, 2023, through September 12, 2023. When the application period opens on August 28, a link to the online application will be made available on this page: VDACS Beehive Distribution Program. Additionally, a PDF of the application for submission by mail will be made available during the application period. Applications received online or postmarked during the application period will be accepted for consideration.

Recipients of beehive units will be selected at random from qualifying applications. Individuals are encouraged to provide a valid email address with their application since notifications regarding the status of an application will be sent by email. Applications from individuals who were not selected to receive beehive units last year, will not be carried forward to this year’s program.

The program provides equipment directly to eligible individuals for the construction of new beehives. Virginia residents who are 18 years of age or older at the time an application is submitted are eligible to receive up to three beehive units per year. Individuals in the same household are not be eligible to receive beehive units in consecutive years until all applications from individuals that did not receive units in the previous year are processed. No more than three beehive units may be distributed per household. Individuals who submit an application for a beehive unit through the program will be registered as a beekeeper with the VDACS. Beehive equipment received through the program must be assembled and occupied with a colony of honey bees within one year of receiving the equipment. Honey bees and equipment to manage beehives, such as personal safety equipment and honey processing equipment, are not provided through the program. Individuals interested in applying to receive beehive units through the program should review the guidelines and requirements which provides application instructions.

Individuals receiving beehive units are encouraged to enter their apiary location in the BeeCheck mapping system.

For more information, visit the VDACS Beehive Distribution Program.

Virginia Farmers Should Prepare Now For Peak of Atlantic Hurricane Season

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Taking preparedness steps now helps protect farms and livestock as peak hurricane season approaches

The Atlantic hurricane season extends from June 1 to November 30, with the peak occurring between mid-August and late October. The powerful winds and flooding rains of hurricanes can be disastrous for agricultural producers, and farmers can take precautions now to help protect their families, livestock and farm operations.

Tips to Protect You and Your Family

  • Monitor local weather reports for up-to-the-minute storm information and follow instructions of local and state government officials.
  • Charge all cell phones and other important electronic devices.
  • Create an emergency kit with drinking water and food for humans and pets that will last three to four days, medications, emergency numbers, first aid kit, flashlights, batteries and dust masks.
  • Make an emergency plan that identifies evacuation routes and meeting destination for your family in the event you need to evacuate.
  • Trim or remove damaged trees and limbs close enough to fall on structures.
  • Secure loose rain gutters and downspouts and clear any clogged areas or debris to prevent water damage to your property.
  • Keep alternative power sources, such as a portable generator, outside, at least 20 feet away from the house, and protected from moisture.
  • Document the condition of your home with photos and video prior to the storm for insurance purposes.
  • Have contact information for your local emergency manager, sheriff and animal control office readily available.
  • Do not drive across any flooded roadway, as it only takes six inches of water to move a vehicle and roads may be washed out beneath the floodwaters.
  • If strong winds knock down trees, make farm lanes and houses accessible to delivery vehicles as soon as it is safe to do so.

Livestock Preparedness Tips:

  • Secure livestock and other animals. If necessary, build berms for them to stand on in low-lying areas that are prone to flooding. Fencing may also be removed to allow animals to move to higher ground during floods or lower ground during high winds.
  • Mark animals with an identifier so they can be returned if lost. This includes ear tags with the name of the farm and/or phone numbers, paint markings on hooves or coat, or clipped initials in the hair.
  • Stock up on feed, water and livestock supplies so that you are self-sustainable for at least three days.
  • If your operation uses vent fans, water pumps, milking machines, or other critical electrical equipment, purchase a gas-powered generator and plenty of fuel.
  • Keep multiple forms of identification for all horses and other equines.
  • Store the record for the microchip number, if present, in an accessible location. VDACS also recommends keeping a second copy of this information with a family member or friend in a distant location but where it will be easily accessible.
  • Be sure your horse’s vaccinations for tetanus and the encephalitis viruses (Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus) are current.
  • Coastal residents should consider evacuating horses inland and out of a storm’s path. In addition, horse owners should make plans of how they would acquire any special equipment that may be needed to transport horses prior to an emergency event.
  • Store fertilizers, pesticides, treated seeds and other such products away from floodwaters and animals.
  • Inspect all barns, outbuildings and other structures for broken or weak components and make repairs before the storm arrives. Stock up on nails, screws and plywood to board up windows and nail doors and windows shut.
  • Store and secure farm equipment or other items that may blow away or become dangerous projectiles.

“Proper planning and taking precautions now could save thousands of dollars in property loss. I strongly encourage all agricultural producers to review these tips and take time now to prepare their farms and agribusinesses for hurricanes and other severe weather events,” said Joseph Guthrie, Commissioner of VDACS. “For more in-depth emergency preparation tips, please visit www.vaemergency.gov/threats/hurricanes.”

VDACS also encourages pesticide applicators, particularly those in Eastern Virginia, to secure their pesticide storage areas. Applicators in low-lying areas should attempt to elevate or move pesticides to locations that are less likely to flood. Pest control companies should consider the weather carefully when making any type of outdoor application and always read and follow the pesticide label.

Changes in Wildlife Regulations

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Below are several changes to wildlife regulations approved by the Board of Wildlife Resources that could impact Farm Bureau members. A complete list and additional details can be found here. These regulations go into effect August 1, 2023.

Deer

  • 4VAC15-90-10. Game: Deer. Open Season; Generally:
    • The change adds an early antlerless-only firearms deer season on private lands in Carroll, Floyd, Montgomery, and Pulaski counites.
    • The change adds an early and late antlerless-only firearms deer season on private lands in Bedford and York counties.
    • The change extends the general firearms deer season on private lands in Roanoke County from two to four weeks.
  • 4VAC15-90-80. Game: Deer. Muzzleloading gun hunting.
    • The change provides for full-season, either-sex deer hunting on private lands during both the early and late muzzleloading seasons in Smyth County.
    • The change adds one additional day of either-sex deer hunting during the early muzzleloading season on private lands in Lee, Russell, Tazewell, and Wise counties.
    • The change provides for full-season, either-sex deer hunting on private lands during the late muzzleloading season in Craig, Giles, and Scott counties.
    • The change provides for either-sex deer hunting during the last six days of the late muzzleloading season on private lands in Dickenson County.
  • 4VAC15-90-91. Game: Deer: General firearms season either-sex deer hunting days.
    • The change increases the general firearms either-sex deer hunting days on private lands for Bland, Chesapeake, Chesterfield, Gloucester, King George, Lancaster, Northumberland, Nottoway, Richmond, Suffolk, Virginia Beach and Westmoreland.

Bear

  • 4VAC15-50-11. Game: Bear. Open Season; Generally:
    • The change adds two weeks of general firearms season in 35 counties in southern and eastern Virginia: Amelia, Appomattox, Brunswick, Buckingham, Campbell, Charles City, Charlotte, Cumberland, Dinwiddie, Essex, Gloucester, Greensville, Halifax, Isle of Wight, James City, King and Queen, King George, King William, Lancaster, Mathews, Mecklenburg, Middlesex, New Kent, Northumberland, Nottoway, Pittsylvania, Prince Edward, Prince George, Richmond, Southampton, Surry, Sussex, Westmoreland and York.
    • The change removes the 3-day early firearms season from 26 counties in northern and western Virginia: Albemarle, Alleghany, Amherst, Arlington, Augusta, Bath, Bedford, Botetourt, Clarke, Culpeper, Fairfax, Fauquier, Frederick, Greene, Highland, Loudoun, Madison, Nelson, Page, Prince William, Rappahannock, Rockbridge, Rockingham, Shenandoah, Stafford and Warren.