The following is a statement from Virginia Farm Bureau President Scott Sink, regarding the release of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission initial assessment on May 22, 2025.
Virginia’s farmers share the White House’s vision for a healthier America, and we recognize that healthy meals start with healthy farms. However, we’re troubled by the MAHA Commission’s initial opinion-based findings and their potential impact on our farm families who have fed this nation for generations.
Our farmers don’t just grow food—they grow their legacies. They live on the land they farm, raise their children there, and work every day to pass healthy soil and thriving operations on to the next generation. Their livelihood depends on growing nutritious food sustainably. While the MAHA Commission questions some aspects of modern farming practices, farmers have the strongest incentive to protect both their land and their families’ health. They wouldn’t use tools or methods that jeopardize either their family’s safety or their farm’s future productivity.
As a farmer, I can confidently say that farmers share the goal of improving health outcomes in America. They’re dedicated to continuous improvement, guided by sound agricultural and livestock practices and technological advancements that keep our food supply safe, abundant and affordable.
Any policy changes must consider real-world consequences for food affordability and availability. Well-meaning, yet misguided, restrictions could reduce crop yields, drive up grocery costs and increase hunger in America—outcomes none of us want. Virginia’s farmers stand ready to be partners in building a healthier nation, but solutions must be practical and account for farming’s complexities. We need a seat at the table for discussions that include farmers’ voices and recognize that sustainable agriculture requires balancing environmental stewardship, economic viability and food security for all Americans.
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.
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.
Desi Fresh Foods, a leading U.S. producer of dahi, or South Asian yogurt, and lassi, a drinkable South Asian yogurt, will invest a significant amount of money to open a new manufacturing facility to Frederick County, Va. The new facility will create 56 new jobs and allow the company to significantly increase its current production while committing to source a significant amount of dairy ingredients from local Virginia farmers. The Commonwealth successfully competed with Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia for the project.
“Virginia’s status as the top state for business enables opportunities like this, where we can bring in a leading food manufacturer that will support more routes to market for our dairy farmers while also strengthening the local economy and workforce,” said Gov. Glenn Youngkin. “The Commonwealth is committed to business development and the growth of our largest private industry – agriculture. Desi Fresh Foods will be an asset to the community of Frederick County and its local dairies.”
“Virginia dairy farmers’ high-quality products will be an asset to Desi Fresh Foods’ ability to continue being a leading manufacturer of South Asian dairy products,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr. “We’re pleased Desi Fresh Foods recognized the benefits of relocating their facility to Virginia, and we are proud to support this project and its 56 new jobs with the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund.”
“After an exhaustive search, we are thrilled to be opening our new facility in Northern Virginia,” said CEO of Desi Fresh Foods Larry LaPorta. “This move will not only allow us to streamline operations and increase production, but give us access to quality, essential ingredients that will help foster the growth of Desi Fresh Foods in the future and set us up for long-term success.”
“We appreciate Desi Fresh Foods’ decision to locate its operations in Frederick County, as well as its commitment to supporting Virginia dairies,” said chairman of the Frederick County Board of Supervisors Josh Ludwig. “Their presence enhances our local food economy, which encompasses farms, agribusinesses, suppliers, and our second-largest manufacturing sector—food manufacturing. We are excited about their future success in our community.”
“As a lifelong Virginia dairy farmer, I’m delighted Desi Fresh Foods is opening a new facility in Frederick County,” said Senator Timmy French. “The agricultural industry welcomes this opportunity and values the investment it brings to Virginia and the local economy.”
“We are so pleased to hear that Desi Fresh Foods is relocating to Frederick County,” said Delegate William D. Wiley. “This is exactly the type of industry that we are targeting and they will complement the existing dairy industry that we embrace.”
Founded in 2000, Desi Fresh Foods is a New York-based manufacturer of Indian-style spoonable and drinkable yogurt products that are distributed nationwide to retailers and food service customers. The company is the leading producer of dahi (a South Asian yogurt) and lassi (a drinkable South Asian yogurt) in the United States. Desi Fresh Foods’ product line includes whole milk, low-fat, fat-free, and organic yogurt and lower-fat paneer and lassi, sold through ethnic and mainstream retailers, and food service customers.
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services worked with the Frederick County Economic Development Authority to secure the project for Virginia. Governor Youngkin approved a $150,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund and a $150,000 grant from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund to assist Frederick County with this project.
Support for Desi Fresh Foods’ job creation will be provided through the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, a workforce initiative created by VEDP in collaboration with the Virginia Community College System and other higher education partners, with funding support from the Governor’s administration and the Virginia General Assembly. Launched in 2019, the program accelerates new facility start-ups through the direct delivery of recruitment and training services that are fully customized to a company’s unique products, processes, equipment, standards, and culture. All program services are provided at no cost to qualified new and expanding companies as an incentive for job creation.
Homestead Creamery to expand processing capacity, purchase nearly $1.9 million in Virginia-produced cream
Homestead Creamery Inc. will invest over $2.5 million to renovate and expand their Franklin County production facility. The company will construct a new ice cream production room and install additional production and refrigeration equipment and freezers, in response to increased customer demand for their premium churned ice cream products. Through this expansion, the company will add two new jobs and purchase an additional $1.9 million of Virginia-produced cream over the next three years.
“I’m grateful to Homestead Creamery for their investment into one of Virginia’s top milk-producing counties and for supporting the growth of Virginia’s dairy industry—the fourth largest commodity in the Commonwealth,” said Gov. Glenn Youngkin.
“Homestead Creamery was the very first recipient of an AFID Facility Grant in 2012. I am extremely pleased that we could partner with the company again with another AFID Facility Grant to support this expansion project,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr. “This project builds on the success of a small, Virginia company and positions Homestead for future growth opportunities.”
Founded in 2001 in Burnt Chimney (Franklin County), Homestead Creamery, Inc. utilizes high-quality A2A2 milk from its network of local dairy farms to produce a variety of premium drinkable milk, ice cream, eggnog, and other dairy products that are sold through retail and wholesale networks. The company also operates an on-site retail market and deli featuring a variety of its dairy products along with Virginia’s Finest and Virginia Grown products. Homestead has grown steadily over the years and now sells its dairy products and specialty lemonade in approximately 100 stores across Virginia. Homestead Creamery’s super-premium ice cream is available in twenty-nine flavors across 13 states and Washington D.C.
Homestead Creamery, Inc. Controller Jesse Novak says, “This grant will fuel our vision for impactful building improvements, empowering us to better serve our customers and community. Together, we’re nurturing growth, innovation, and prosperity.”
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) worked with Franklin County to secure this expansion project for the Commonwealth. Youngkin approved a $20,000 grant from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Facility Grant program, which Franklin County will match with local funds.
The Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Facility Grant program supports agribusinesses of all sizes including produce companies, dairy processors, meat and poultry processors, specialty food and beverage manufacturers, greenhouse operations, forest product manufacturers and more. The fund can also support aquaculture projects such as oyster production and nurseries producing native plants for stormwater BMPs.
Interested businesses should contact their local economic development office or the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for more information.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is encouraging dairy producers to enroll by April 29, 2024, for 2024 Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC), an important safety net program that helps offset milk and feed price differences. This year’s DMC signup began Feb. 28, 2024, and payments, retroactive to January, began in March 2024. So far, DMC payments triggered in January and February of 2024 at margins of $8.48 and $9.44 respectively.
2024 DMC Coverage and Premium Fees
FSA revised DMC regulations to extend coverage for calendar year 2024, which is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2024, and to provide an adjustment to the production history for dairy operations with less than 5 million pounds of production. In previous years, smaller dairy operations could establish a supplemental production history and receive Supplemental Dairy Margin Coverage.
For 2024, dairy producers can establish one adjusted base production history through DMC for each participating dairy operation to better reflect the operation’s current production.
For 2024 DMC enrollment, dairy operations that established supplemental production history through Supplemental Dairy Margin Coverage for coverage years 2021 through 2023, will combine the supplemental production history with established production history for one adjusted base production history.
For dairy operations enrolled in 2023 DMC under a multi-year lock-in contract, lock-in eligibility will be extended until Dec. 31, 2024. In addition, dairy operations enrolled in multi-year lock-in contracts are eligible for the discounted DMC premium rate during the 2024 coverage year. To confirm 2024 DMC lock-in coverage or opt out in favor of an annual contract for 2024, dairy operations having lock-in contracts must enroll during the 2024 DMC enrollment period.
DMC offers different levels of coverage, even an option that is free to producers, minus a $100 administrative fee. The administrative fee is waived for dairy producers who are considered limited resource, beginning, socially disadvantaged or a military veteran. To determine the appropriate level of DMC coverage for a specific dairy operation, producers can use the online dairy decision tool.
Congress passed a 2018 Farm Bill extension requiring these regulatory changes to the program. DMC is also authorized through calendar year 2024.
DMC Payments
DMC payments are calculated using updated feed and premium hay costs, making the program more reflective of actual dairy producer expenses. These updated feed calculations use 100% premium alfalfa hay.
More Information
DMC is a voluntary risk management program providing protection to dairy producers when the difference between the all-milk price and the average feed price (the margin) falls below a certain dollar amount selected by the producer. In 2023, DMC payments triggered in 11 months including two months, June and July, where the margin fell below the catastrophic level of $4.00 per hundredweight, a first for DMC or its predecessor Margin Protection Program.
USDA also offers other risk management tools for dairy producers, including the Dairy Revenue Protection (DRP) plan that protects against a decline in milk revenue (yield and price) and the Livestock Gross Margin (LGM) plan, which provides protection against the loss of the market value of milk minus the feed costs. Both DRP and LGM livestock insurance policies are offered through the Risk Management Agency. Producers should contact their local crop insurance agent for more information.
HP Hood LLC, will invest more than $83.5 million to expand its dairy processing operations in Frederick County. The expansion project includes upgrades to production and packaging equipment and construction of additional cooler and warehouse space. The project will enable the company to further grow its business while continuing to provide a local market for Virginia dairy farms through its milk cooperative network which includes the Dairy Farmers of America and the Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association.
“I commend HP Hood for their continued investment in Frederick County and in Virginia’s dairy industry, the state’s fourth largest sector in the agriculture industry,” said Gov. Glenn Youngkin. “Supporting companies like HP Hood is vitally important to Virginia’s dairy producers and spurs economic development in this area of the Commonwealth.”
Hood’s Winchester facility, which was constructed in 2000, employs more than 600 people and processes extended-shelf-life fluid milk and nondairy products for Hood’s own brands, private label partners, licensed brands and co-packing partners. The facility expansion will provide increased production capacity that is critical to the company’s operations and fund technology that will enable Hood to produce new products in response to growing customer demand.
“HP Hood has played a vital role in Frederick County’s food manufacturing sector for more than 20 years, providing employment opportunities and contributing to our economic growth,” said Josh Ludwig, Chairman of the Frederick County Board of Supervisors. “We are grateful for their continued investment and confidence in our community.”
“As a lifelong dairy farmer in the Shenandoah Valley, I’m excited to see this level of investment in dairy processing in the Commonwealth. I welcome HP Hood’s investment in the community and look forward to growing Virginia’s dairy supply to meet their needs,” said Senator Timmy French.
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) worked with Frederick County and the Frederick County Economic Development Authority to secure the project for Virginia. Governor Youngkin approved a $50,000 Infrastructure Grant from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund, which Frederick County will match with local funds.
“I am pleased that the Commonwealth will continue its partnership with Frederick County and HP Hood to increase market opportunities for Virginia dairy producers. This announcement is certainly a win-win for Frederick County, the state’s dairy producers and Virginia agriculture,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr.
“We proudly selected this location to build a greenfield plant more than 24 years ago and have been grateful for the ongoing support of Frederick County and the Commonwealth of Virginia,” said Gary Kaneb, President and CEO of HP Hood. “This expansion enables us to continue to grow Hood’s business and accommodate the everchanging needs of our customers and continue to provide a market for local dairy farms through our local milk cooperative network.”
Founded in 1846 in Charlestown, Massachusetts as a milk delivery service, HP Hood is a nationally branded dairy processor with more than 3,000 employees and annual sales revenues of approx. $3.5 billion. The company manufactures conventional, extended-shelf life (ESL) and shelf stable dairy and non-dairy beverages cultured products, as well as ice cream and frozen desserts. The company’s broad portfolio of retail consumer product brands include Hood, Heluva Good!, Lactaid, Blue Diamond Almond Breeze, and Planet Oat, to name a few. In addition to selling its products through traditional retail and wholesale channels, the company also manufactures private-label products and provides co-packing services.
Plows and Politics 