Author: VFB Governmental Relations

Public Input Sought for Virginia’s Transportation Future

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Commonwealth Transportation Board Announces Statewide Meetings

The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) is conducting nine public meetings across Virginia to gather citizen feedback on proposed transportation projects. These meetings offer residents a vital opportunity to shape the future of Virginia’s transportation infrastructure before the Draft Fiscal Year 2026-2031 Six-Year Improvement Program (SYIP) is finalized in June.

The SYIP will allocate public funds to a comprehensive range of transportation initiatives including highways, roads, bridges, rail systems, bicycle and pedestrian paths, public transportation, and transportation demand projects. Projects under consideration include those funded through SMART SCALE, safety initiatives, repairs for structurally deficient bridges, and public transportation and rail improvements.

Community members can participate by either attending one of the scheduled public meetings or submitting their comments online. All meetings begin at 4 p.m. unless otherwise noted:

  • Tuesday, April 22: Richmond District, Richmond District Hawthorne Auditorium, 2430 Pine Forest Drive, Colonial Heights, VA 23834
  • Wednesday, April 23: Lynchburg District, Lynchburg District Ramey Auditorium, 4303 Campbell Ave., Lynchburg, VA 24501
  • Thursday, April 24: Hampton Roads District, Hampton Roads District James River Auditorium, 7511 Burbage Drive, Suffolk, VA 23435
  • Tuesday, May 6: Fredericksburg District, Fredericksburg District Auditorium, 86 Deacon Road, Fredericksburg, VA 22405
  • Wednesday, May 7: Culpeper District, Culpeper District Auditorium, 1601 Orange Road, Culpeper, VA 22701
  • Thursday, May 8 (5 p.m.): Northern Virginia District, Northern Virginia District Potomac Conference Room, 4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030
  • Tuesday, May 13: Bristol District, Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, One Partnership Circle, Abingdon, VA 24210
  • Wednesday, May 14: Salem District, Holiday Inn Valley View, 3315 Ordway Drive, Roanoke, VA 24017
  • Thursday, May 15: Staunton District, Blue Ridge Community College, Robert E. Plecker Workforce Center, 1 College Lane, Weyers Cave, VA 24486

The Board has posted details about Spring meetings and district-specific project information on their website. This public engagement process represents a key opportunity for Virginians to influence transportation priorities in their communities.

More information

White House Moves to Increase Potash and Critical Mineral Production

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On March 20, 2025, the White House issued an executive order titled “Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production,” officially designating potash as a critical mineral alongside other resources like uranium, copper and gold. This decision aims to bolster domestic production of key minerals, reduce reliance on imports and strengthen national security. For American farmers, the inclusion of potash—a vital fertilizer component—on the Critical Minerals List promises enhanced agricultural resilience and supports food security.

Potash, a potassium-rich mineral, is essential for crop growth, improving plant health, root development and yield. The United States currently imports over 90% of its potash needs, primarily from Canada.

Ramping up U.S. potash production capabilities could stabilize and lower fertilizer prices, which have soared in recent years due to supply chain shocks. Reducing dependence on imports enhances supply chain reliability, protecting farmers from sudden disruptions that could jeopardize cropping plans.

The executive order directs agencies to streamline permitting processes, identify federal lands for mining, and leverages the Defense Production Act to prioritize potash production:

  • Agencies shall compile a list of all mineral production projects that have submitted a plan of operations, permit application, or any other approval request to that agency in order to expedite the review and advancement of those projects in coordination with the National Energy Dominance Council (NEDC).
    — Additional mineral production projects will be considered for FAST-41 status to streamline permitting.
  • New recommendations will be provided to Congress regarding treatment of waste rock, tailings, and mine waste disposal under the Mining Act of 1872.
  • The Secretary of Defense, Secretary of Energy, Secretary of Agriculture and Secretary of the Interior shall identify additional sites that might be suitable for mineral production activities that can be permitted as soon as possible.
  • The Defense Production Act (DPA) will be used to expand domestic mineral production capacity.
  • Financing, loans, and investment support will be provided for new mineral production projects, including a dedicated critical minerals fund established through the United States International Development Finance Corporation in collaboration with the Department of Defense.

Virginia Farm Bureau has worked with the Trump administration on this issue and is pleased to see progress made. As implementation unfolds, we will closely watch the impacts and potential benefits from increased domestic potash production. We will continue to work with the administration and Congress to identify and deliver tangible benefits to Virginia’s farmers.

Stefanie Taillon Named Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources

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When Stefanie Taillon was growing up on a row crop farm in Southampton County, Virginia, she likely didn’t imagine she would one day be responsible for protecting the Commonwealth’s most precious natural resources. Yet, her latest appointment as Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources is a testament to her deep agricultural background and commitment to public service.

“Throughout her career, Stefanie Taillon has exemplified an unwavering dedication to preserving and enhancing Virginia’s God-given natural resources. With a proven ability to deliver impactful results, she has been particularly instrumental in advancing our Chesapeake Bay conservation and restoration priorities,” said Gov. Glenn Youngkin. “Her strong leadership and deep policy expertise have consistently driven meaningful progress as we continue to press forward on our agenda for Virginia.”

Stefanie Taillon previously served as Acting Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources for the Youngkin administration, first joining the Administration as Deputy Secretary with a primary focus on Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts. Prior to joining, she was Associate Director of Governmental Relations for Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, where she led policy efforts related to farmland preservation, wildlife and game laws, animal welfare and animal-based commodities. She has also served as the Commissioner’s Office Director at the South Carolina Department of Agriculture and as a legislative aide in the Virginia General Assembly.

Stefanie holds a B.S. in Animal and Poultry Sciences and a Master of Public Administration, both from Virginia Tech. She was a member of the Virginia Agriculture Leaders Obtaining Results (VALOR) Program Class IV. She grew up on a row crop farm in Southampton County and currently resides in Richmond, Virginia, with her husband and their 2-year-old daughter.

USDA Expediting $10 Billion in Direct Economic Assistance to Farmers

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The USDA has opened the application period for up to $10 billion in direct economic assistance to farmers through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) for the 2024 crop year. Administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), ECAP will help farmers mitigate the impacts of increased input costs and falling commodity prices.

Authorized by the American Relief Act, 2025, these economic relief payments are based on planted and prevented planted crop acres for eligible commodities for the 2024 crop year, and many commodities widely planted in Virginia are eligible. The program also includes payments for eligible double-crop rotations, which will benefit Virginia farmers.

To streamline and simplify the delivery of ECAP, FSA will begin sending pre-filled applications to producers who submitted acreage reports to FSA for 2024 eligible ECAP commodities. Producers do not have to wait for their pre-filled ECAP application to apply. They can visit fsa.usda.gov/ecap to apply using a login.gov account or contact their local FSA office to request an application once the signup period opens.

More Resources

More Information on ECAP
ECAP Calculator
ECAP Fact Sheet
ECAP FAQs

Barboursville Vineyards Takes Top Honor at 2025 Virginia Governor’s Cup

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Barboursville Vineyards captured the 2025 Virginia Governor’s Cup for its 2023 Vermentino, a white wine made entirely from estate-grown grapes, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced.

The award, presented during the annual Governor’s Cup Gala at Richmond’s Main Street Station, marks the sixth Governor’s Cup victory for the Monticello AVA winery. The 43-year-old competition drew more than 600 entries from over 140 Virginia wineries, cideries and meaderies.

“Luca Paschina and his team at Barboursville Vineyards embody the passion and pioneering spirit of Virginia wines,” Youngkin said at the ceremony. “Their dedication to excellence is evident in every vintage they produce.”

Located in Barboursville, Virginia, the vineyard has produced wines for nearly five decades. Paschina, who joined as winemaker and general manager in 1990, works alongside Vineyard Manager Fernando Franco and Assistant Winemaker Daniele Tessaro to develop grape varieties suited to Virginia’s climate.

Under Paschina’s leadership, Barboursville previously won Governor’s Cup awards for:

  • 1988 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
  • 1997 Cabernet Franc
  • 1998 Cabernet Franc Reserve
  • 2009 Octagon

The winning Vermentino earned the highest average score from judges evaluating appearance, aroma, flavor, commercial suitability and overall quality.

The wine will be featured in the Virginia Governor’s Cup Case, a collection of the competition’s 12 highest scoring wines that includes:

  • 50 West Vineyards, 2021 Aldie Heights Cuvée
  • Barboursville Vineyards, 2023 Vermentino
  • Barboursville Vineyards, 2017 Octagon
  • DuCard Vineyards, 2023 Cabernet Franc Vintners Reserve
  • King Family Vineyards, 2021 Mountain Plains Red
  • Michael Shaps Wineworks, 2022 Chardonnay
  • Paradise Springs Winery, 2023 Cabernet Franc, Brown Bear Vineyard
  • Potomac Point Winery, 2023 Albariño
  • Trump Winery, 2018 Sparkling Rosé
  • Valley Road Vineyards, 2023 Petit Manseng
  • Veritas Winery, 2023 Monticello White
  • Winery at La Grange, 2023 Petit Manseng

The case features a balanced mix of six white wines, five red wines and one sparkling rosé.

In a separate category, Daring Wine & Cider Company received the Cider of the Year award for its Crab Apple Blend, marking the fifth year cider has been judged in its own competition.

This year’s competition introduced “Best in Show” awards for categories with at least five entries. Winners included:

  • Breaux Vineyards’ 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon
  • 7 Lady Vineyards’ 2017 Petit Manseng for Dessert Wine
  • Pollak Vineyards’ 2022 Merlot Reserve
  • Carriage House Wineworks’ 2022 Petit Verdot Reserve
  • Jefferson Vineyards’ 2023 Viognier

Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr emphasized the importance of wine and cider to Virginia’s economy.

“I welcome the opportunity to see new wineries and our standard-bearers of Virginia’s quality continue to raise the bar for what can be achieved in Virginia as a wine region,” Lohr said.

The Virginia Wineries Association’s Governor’s Cup is held in partnership with the Virginia Wine Board. All entries must be made from 100% Virginia-grown fruit to be eligible.

Virginia Announces $264,000 in Grants to Boost Local Food Production

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Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced $264,000 in matching grants to support six community infrastructure projects focused on strengthening local food production and sustainable agriculture.

The funding, provided through the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund Infrastructure Grant program, will enhance markets and food distribution while expanding access to locally grown food across the commonwealth.

“[These grants] are pivotal in providing targeted support to communities who want to create innovative solutions to local, healthy food access,” Youngkin said. “We are proud to invest in the efforts of these dedicated food leaders.”

The competitive grants will support projects in six localities:

  • Abingdon: $50,000 to enclose and heat the town’s farmers market, transforming it into a year-round facility with weather-resistant curtain walls, tracked doors and a two-bay sink.
  • Bath County: $50,000 to establish The Village Kitchen, a fully equipped shared-use commissary kitchen and food aggregator that will help local farmers and food businesses scale their operations.
  • Cumberland County: $32,678 to upgrade the farmers market at the Luther P. Jackson Community Center, including flooring protection, electrical improvements, new lighting, doors and signage.
  • Newport News: $50,000 for the SIP Seafood Market’s commercial kitchen and fresh seafood retail area, covering purchases of ice machines, refrigeration units and food display equipment.
  • Onancock: $31,943 to purchase equipment and a prefabricated building to house a winter market, creating a year-round food hub for farmers and food vendors.
  • Prince William County: $49,450 to support Sunshine Honey Farm’s expansion from a small farm stand to a brick-and-mortar market selling meat, eggs, honey and vegetables.

“It’s so important that we help our farmers and small food producers get their products to consumers, especially consumers in their local community,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr. “These grants support farm income, strengthen local economies, and increase residents’ access to fresh local foods.”

Created by the General Assembly in 2021, the AFID Infrastructure Grant program partners with local governments to develop community infrastructure supporting small-scale farmers and food producers. Applications for the next round of grants will be accepted in spring 2025.

Learn more about the AFID Grant Program