Marking Virginia Agriculture Week, Governor Spanberger Signs Bipartisan Bill to Create First-Ever Farm & Forest Prosperity Plan

SURRY, VA - Governor Abigail Spanberger yesterday signed a series of bipartisan bills to support Virginia's agriculture and forestry industries - including flagship legislation creating the Commonwealth's first-ever Farm & Forest Prosperity Plan.

The legislation, led by the Governor's office and sponsored by Delegate Kimberly Pope Adams and Senator David Marsden, directs the Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry to develop and implement a comprehensive strategic roadmap focused on strengthening agriculture and forestry - the Commonwealth's number one and number three private industries, contending with unpredictable and hostile trade policies, and helping farmers access new markets.

"Virginia's farmers and forestry workers are essential to the economy, culture, and livelihood of our Commonwealth," said Governor Abigail Spanberger. "When the hardworking Virginians in these industries succeed, we all succeed. That's why today, I am proud to sign legislation that will direct my Administration to develop and implement a plan to help these vital industries."

Governor Spanberger continued, "As the agriculture and forestry industries continue to face generational challenges - from unpredictable and hostile trade policies out of Washington to increasing costs, it is essential that we provide urgent support to these businesses. I am proud to stand with our farmers and to deliver to them the help they need."

The Governor joined Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Katie Frazier, legislators, local leaders, and farmers at Pierce Farms in Surry - a sixth-generation, Black- and family-owned farm - to sign the bill into law and celebrate Virginia Agriculture Week.

"We are grateful for our partnership with the General Assembly and are thrilled to begin implementing legislation to begin the development of Virginia's first Farm & Forest Prosperity Plan," said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Katie Frazier. "For the first time in the 20 years of our Secretariat, we will have a formal plan in place to strategically guide our efforts over the next four years. This legislation also ensures future administrations will do the same, leveraging programs like the Virginia Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund and other resources and initiatives across state agencies."

"I was honored to carry this commonsense, forward-looking legislation and am thrilled to see it signed into law in Surry County," said Delegate Kimberly Pope Adams. "This new law reaffirms Virginia's commitment to our farm and forest industries and recognizes the critical role they play in supporting jobs and economic growth across the Commonwealth."

"Farming is not just a profession, it's a calling," said Breyon Pierce, owner and operator of Pierce Farms. "Many farm families depend on agriculture not only as a way of life, but as the way they provide for their families. Agriculture remains the backbone of rural America and we must continue investing in the people who feed and clothe this nation."

At the event, Governor Spanberger signed additional bipartisan bills sponsored by members of both parties - including legislation to encourage K-12 schools to purchase fresh food and ingredients from farmers within the Commonwealth. The Governor also signed a new bill into law to protect Virginia's beef industry and consumers by requiring that products containing manufactured protein be clearly labeled and not misrepresented as real meat.

"Healthy forests support Virginia's environment, economy, and rural communities. SB522 strengthens our commitment to preserving working lands and ensuring that resources dedicated to forest sustainability are managed effectively for the benefit of future generations," said Senator Angelia Williams Graves. "This legislation helps position Virginia to be a responsible steward of our natural resources while supporting the communities and industries that depend on them."

"Agriculture is the cornerstone of our economy in Virginia, and I am pleased today to have SB302 signed by Governor Spanberger in extending the Peanut Excise Program Fund for our peanut farmers," said Senator Emily Jordan. "This fund serves the research, marketing, and education surrounding the peanut industry in the Commonwealth. Keeping the Virginia type peanut competitive is of utmost importance to keep acreage trending upward into the future."

"It was a pleasure working alongside Governor Spanberger's administration to make HB1086 become a reality for the Commonwealth of Virginia," said Delegate Amy Laufer. "This bill is truly a win-win: It ensures that Virginia produce shows up on the plates of Virginia kids, securing markets for our farmers and nutritious meals for our students."

In her remarks, the Governor also reiterated her call for the U.S. Department of Agriculture to expedite federal support for Virginia farmers impacted by recent severe weather. The agriculture and forestry industries have a combined economic impact of $105 billion annually and account for more than 490,000 jobs across the Commonwealth.

Governor Spanberger signed the following bipartisan bills to protect and support Virginia's agricultural and forestry industries:

• HB512 (Delegate Kimberly Pope Adams) - Directing the Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry to develop and implement the Farm & Forest Prosperity Plan. Passed unanimously.
• HB1086 (Delegate Amy Laufer) - Encouraging K-12 schools to purchase fresh school meal ingredients from Virginia farmers and producers. Passed unanimously.
• SB522 (Senator Angelia Williams Graves) - Streamlining management of the Forest Sustainability Fund to make it easier for localities to preserve forestland in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Passed unanimously.
• SB186 (Senator Angelia Williams Graves) - Protecting Virginia consumers and beef producers by requiring that products containing manufactured protein be clearly labeled and not misrepresented as real meat. Passed with bipartisan support.
• SB302 (Senator Emily Jordan) - Extending the sunset on the peanut excise tax that funds critical marketing, research, and education for Virginia's peanut producers. Passed with bipartisan support.

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