State Issues

Virginia’s AFID Infrastructure Grant Program: Fall Applications Now Open

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Virginia’s small-scale farmers and local food producers have a new opportunity to strengthen their operations through the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Infrastructure Grant program. The fall application period opened on October 1 and runs through October 31, 2025, at 5 p.m.

Supporting Local Food Systems

Since its creation in 2021, the AFID Infrastructure Grant program has been a vital resource for communities looking to invest in their local agricultural infrastructure. Administered by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), the program focuses on supporting locally identified investments that help small farmers and food producers scale their businesses while benefiting the broader community.

What Projects Qualify?

To be eligible for funding, projects must directly support local food production and forestry while demonstrating clear community-wide benefits. The program prioritizes infrastructure investments in:

  • Food hubs (new and existing facilities)
  • Farmers markets
  • Commercial kitchens
  • Value-added processing facilities for meats, dairy, produce, and other Virginia-grown products
  • Packaging and processing infrastructure

Grant funds are intended primarily for capital expenditures, with a maximum award of $50,000 per project.

Who Can Apply?

Applications must come from a political subdivision of the Commonwealth, including:

  • Counties
  • Cities
  • Towns
  • Industrial and economic development authorities
  • Planning district commissions

However, localities are strongly encouraged to collaborate with small farmers, food producers, local food systems advocates, and other stakeholders interested in building robust local food and farming infrastructure. This collaborative approach ensures that funded projects truly meet the needs of the communities they serve.

Matching Requirements

This competitive grant program requires an equal cash match from the applying locality. Recognizing the challenges faced by some communities, the program offers reduced matching requirements for economically distressed localities, making the grants more accessible across Virginia.

Application Timeline

The AFID Infrastructure Grant program operates on a bi-annual cycle with two funding rounds each fiscal year:

  • Fall Round: Applications due October 31; awards announced by December 31
  • Spring Round: Awards announced by June 30

With the fall deadline rapidly approaching, interested localities should begin coordinating with local agricultural stakeholders now to develop strong applications that showcase community need and impact.

Why This Matters

Virginia’s agricultural sector continues to be a cornerstone of the state’s economy and rural communities. By investing in infrastructure that helps small producers access processing facilities, reach customers through farmers markets, and add value to their products, the AFID program strengthens the entire local food system. These investments create jobs, keep food dollars circulating in local economies, and ensure that Virginia-grown products can reach consumers more efficiently.

Get Started

For more information about the AFID Infrastructure Grant program, eligibility requirements, or the application process, contact:

Joyce Blankenship
Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Phone: 804.786.1906
Email: joyce.blankenship@vdacs.virginia.gov

Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in your community’s agricultural future. The October 31 deadline will be here before you know it.

Virginia Farm Bureau Federation AgPAC endorses 85 candidates for House seats

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Virginia Farm Bureau Federation AgPAC, Farm Bureau’s political action committee, has announced its endorsement of 85 candidates for seats in the Virginia House of Delegates. Endorsements are based on recommendations by local farmer committees and approved by the AgPAC board.

“The mission of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation AgPAC is to support candidates who recognize the vital role agriculture and forestry play in Virginia’s economy and communities,” said Scott Sink, VFBF president and chair of the VFBF AgPAC Board of Trustees. “We evaluate their understanding through their voting records in the General Assembly and their willingness to engage directly with farmers to grasp the real-world impact of these industries.”

Throughout the year, VFBF members actively connect with legislators from both urban and rural areas. These efforts foster collaborative relationships that support the long-term viability of Virginia’s leading industry. By engaging directly with members of the General Assembly through farm tours, legislative roundtables and in-person meetings, members have gained more opportunities to advocate for agriculture and offer valuable insights to policymakers.

Endorsement decisions are based solely on candidates’ positions related to agriculture and forestry, without consideration of unrelated policy views.

“We look forward to working with these candidates to help protect the agriculture and forestry industries and ensure that they remain the No. 1 industries in the commonwealth,” Sink continued.

Martha Moore, senior vice president of VFBF governmental relations, noted that friendly incumbents have a track record of working with farmers in their districts.

“The new candidates endorsed for the House have demonstrated an understanding about specific challenges facing Virginia’s farmers and foresters,” she explained.

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

Although not formally endorsed, additional candidates were recognized as open-door candidates. VFBF will continue to engage with these individuals, fostering relationships and sharing key agricultural policy priorities.

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

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)
HD21Josh Thomas* (D)
HD22Ian Lovejoy* (R)
HD24Luke Torian*, (D)
HD25 Briana Sewell* (D)
HD27 Atoosa Reaser* (D)
HD28 David Reid* (D)
HD29Fernando Martinez* (D)
HD31 Delores Oates (R)
HD32 Bill Wiley* (R)
HD33 Justin Pence, (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)
HD41Chris Obenshain* (R)
HD42 Jason Ballard* (R)
HD43 Will Morefield* (R)
HD44 Israel O’Quinn* (R)
HD45 Terry Kilgore* (R)
HD46 Mitchell Cornett (R)
HD47 Wren Williams* (R)
HD48 Eric Phillips* (R)
HD49 Madison Whittle (R)
HD50 Tommy Wright* (R)
HD51Eric Zehr* (R)
HD52 Wendell Walker* (R)
HD53 Tim Griffin (R)
HD54Katrina Callsen* (D)
HD55Amy Laufer* (D)
HD56 Tom Garrett* (R)
HD57David Owen* (R)
HD58Rodney Willett* (D)
HD59 Buddy Fowler* (R)
HD60 Scott Wyatt* (R)
HD61 Michael Webert* (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)
HD79Rae Cousins* (D)
HD80Destiny Bolling* (D)
HD81 Delores McQuinn* (D)
HD82 Kim Taylor* (R)
HD83 Otto Wachsmann* (R)
HD86 A.C. Cordoza* (R)
HD88 Don Scott* (D)
HD89Mike Lamonea (R)
HD90 Jay Leftwich* (R)
HD91 Cliff Hayes* (D)
HD92Bonita Anthony* (D)
HD93Jackie Glass* (D)
HD94Phil Hernandez* (D)
HD95Alex Askew* (D)
HD98 Barry Knight* (R)
HD99 Anne Ferrell Tata* (R)
HD100 Rob Bloxom Jr.* (R)

Virginia Expands Fire Ant Quarantine to Protect Against Invasive Species Spread

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Virginia’s battle against invasive imported fire ants has reached a new phase, with state officials announcing a significant expansion of quarantine areas to prevent further spread of these destructive pests across the commonwealth.

New Areas Under Quarantine

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) has added ten new localities to the existing Imported Fire Ant Quarantine, bringing additional protections to both agricultural and urban areas. The expansion now includes:

Counties:

  • Chesterfield
  • Lee
  • Nottoway
  • Pittsylvania
  • Prince George
  • Surry

Independent Cities:

  • Colonial Heights
  • Danville
  • Hopewell
  • Petersburg

This expansion comes after recent VDACS surveys confirmed that imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta Buren and Solenopsis richteri Forel, and their hybrids) have become established in these areas, creating an urgent need for containment measures.

Why Fire Ants Are a Serious Threat

Imported fire ants aren’t just a minor nuisance—they pose significant risks to Virginia’s economy, environment and public health. These invasive insects damage crops and agricultural equipment, disrupt local wildlife populations and create serious problems in urban areas. For humans, fire ant stings can cause painful welts and allergic reactions, with rare cases leading to life-threatening anaphylactic shock.

Once fire ants establish themselves in an area, they spread rapidly through natural means and human activities. Without proper containment, they can quickly colonize new territories, making early intervention critical.

What Businesses Need to Know

Companies operating within the quarantined areas face new responsibilities when shipping materials outside the quarantine zone. Any business moving regulated articles must now certify that their products are free of imported fire ants.

Regulated articles include:

  • Soil (except commercially prepared soil in original containers)
  • Plants with roots and attached soil
  • Grass sod
  • Used soil-moving and farm equipment with non-compacted soil
  • Hay and straw stored on the ground
  • Honey bee hives stored on the ground
  • Logs and pulpwood with attached soil

Businesses have two main options for compliance: follow USDA-approved treatment protocols or enter into a compliance agreement with VDACS. The detailed treatment guidelines are available in the USDA’s Quarantine Treatments manual, which provides step-by-step procedures for ensuring shipments meet quarantine requirements.

Resources for Affected Businesses

VDACS has made several resources available to help businesses navigate the new requirements:

  • An updated quarantine map showing exactly which areas are affected
  • Detailed information about compliance agreements
  • Links to USDA treatment protocols
  • Contact information for additional guidance

Businesses can check whether their location falls within the quarantine area by consulting the most current map on the VDACS website. Those needing to ship regulated materials should review the compliance options and consider entering into an agreement with VDACS to streamline their operations.

Looking Ahead

This quarantine expansion represents Virginia’s proactive approach to invasive species management. By implementing these restrictions now, the state aims to slow the spread of imported fire ants and protect uninfested areas from future colonization.

For businesses and residents in affected areas, the quarantine may require some operational adjustments, but these measures are essential for protecting Virginia’s agricultural economy and natural resources from long-term damage.

More information about the Virginia Imported Fire Ant Quarantine, including compliance procedures and updated maps, is available on the VDACS website at their plant industry services section.

Virginia Farmers to Serve on New Chesapeake Bay Agricultural Advisory Committee

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Gov. Glenn Youngkin has appointed two farmers to represent the state on a newly established Chesapeake Bay Program Agricultural Advisory Committee. The committee aims to incorporate agricultural expertise into conservation efforts across the Chesapeake Bay watershed as officials work to accelerate progress toward water quality goals.

Kevin Craun and Robert “Bob” Waring will serve as Virginia’s representatives on the committee. Each jurisdiction in the watershed will appoint two representatives.

The committee’s formation follows a December 10 meeting of the Chesapeake Executive Council, where members formally approved its establishment. The initiative came at the request of agriculture secretaries from states within the Bay watershed and aligns with plans to revise the existing Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement by the end of 2025.

“Since day one, I have consistently said that we must work with Virginia’s farmers, not against them, in order to achieve our goals,” Youngkin said in a statement. “Under my administration, we have fully funded the Virginia Agricultural-Cost Share Program for the first time ever.”

Agriculture Secretary Matthew Lohr called the committee’s creation “a game-changer for ensuring that farmers’ voices are front and center in shaping the future of the Chesapeake Bay.”

Craun co-owns a 900-acre operation in the Shenandoah Valley, managing 190 dairy cows and 100 cow/calf pairs. He serves on multiple agricultural boards, including as chairman of the Shenandoah Valley Soil and Water Conservation District and as a commissioner of the Virginia State Milk Commission.

Waring co-manages Brandon Farms, a third-generation row crop farm in Essex County recognized by the American Farmland Trust for its conservation practices. He serves on the executive board of the Southern Cover Crops Council and works at Colonial Soil and Water Conservation District.

The Chesapeake Executive Council includes governors from Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia, along with the mayor of Washington, D.C., the chair of the Chesapeake Bay Commission and the EPA administrator.

Agriculture is the largest non-forest land use in the watershed and will play a critical role in creating solutions for a healthier Chesapeake Bay, officials said.

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