Author: VFB Governmental Relations

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

Stay Connected: VT CALS Research Monthly Newsletter Now Available

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Virginia farmers and agricultural professionals, we have an exciting opportunity to keep your finger on the pulse of cutting-edge agricultural research and innovation!

The Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (VT CALS) has launched a new monthly newsletter, VT CALS Research Monthly, designed to keep you informed about the latest developments in agricultural science and education.

What You’ll Discover in Each Issue

By subscribing, you’ll receive regular updates on:

  • Groundbreaking agricultural research and innovative solutions
  • Upcoming events, workshops and professional development opportunities
  • Remarkable achievements of VT CALS students and faculty
  • Community outreach initiatives and critical industry partnerships

Subscribe to VTCALS Research News Today

Whether you’re a producer, educator or agricultural professional, these insights can help you stay ahead of the curve and connected to the latest advancements in our field. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to expand your knowledge and stay informed about the work happening at Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Virginia Farm Bureau statement on USDA funding, staffing

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The following is a statement from Virginia Farm Bureau President Scott Sink, regarding recent funding and staffing changes at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and its affiliated agencies.

Virginia Farm Bureau has been actively following announcements from USDA related to availability of conservation funding to farmers, and staffing changes at the agency. We are engaging with USDA leadership, elected officials, and partners to advance Farm Bureau policy and priorities in this area.

Most recently, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced USDA will release certain funds for conservation program contracts that the agency entered into with farmers and ranchers.

We are thankful the administration recognized the importance of making good on the first tranche of agreements, and we look forward to future announcements about fulfilling previously signed contracts. The freezing of funds created uncertainty for farm families who have invested in projects and practices on their farms based on USDA contracts and financial commitment from the federal government. They need to know the government will hold up its end of the bargain.

Regarding staffing, reports are still coming in about staff reductions at USDA, which we know are causing concern in rural and farming communities. We support the goal of efficient government; however, we urge the administration to be strategic in how they address staffing. USDA staff play a critical role in both the safety and reliability of our food and other products. Vital USDA functions range from food inspectors and animal disease experts to loan officers and disaster recovery experts, and they all help ensure that we continue to have a safe and stable food supply.

Last week, I traveled to Washington with a delegation of farmers from Virginia and other mid-Atlantic states to meet with Secretary Rollins. We conveyed concerns over funding and staffing issues, discussed other concerns and opportunities facing farmers, and shared priorities we hope to see this administration tackle. We were pleased to hear from Secretary Rollins about her commitment to listening to farmers and tackling the industry’s challenges. We stand ready to work with her.

In 2025, we face the need for a new, modernized farm bill that ensures animal health in the face of growing disease pressure, expands global trade, and addresses other priority challenges. Virginia Farm Bureau stands ready to advocate on farmers’ behalf and to ensure the Virginia agriculture and forestry industries have the policies, tools, services and opportunities they need to be successful.

2025 General Assembly Update: Wrap-Up

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The General Assembly adjourned, sine die, on Saturday, February 22 after debating nearly 2,500 bills and reaching an agreement on amendments to the biennial budget. Legislators have sent just under 1,000 bills over to the Governor who has 30 days to sign, veto or amend legislation. The House and Senate will reconvene for “veto” session on April 2. There were several challenges legislators faced this year from water outages delaying the start of session, multiple snowstorms, to heavy debates on energy within the Commonwealth. And, now, it’s time for our final session update.