Young farmers interact with state leaders during forum and roundtable ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY NICOLE ZEMA
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irginia’s young farmers represent a constituency driving the state’s largest industry toward a prosperous future, and lawmakers want to familiarize themselves with agricultural issues important to them. Young farmers and advocates from nine industry groups engaged in dialogue with lawmakers and gubernatorial candidates at the 2021 Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Summer Expo July 30 and 31 in Fauquier County. A sense of unity underscored both the Agriculture and Forestry Gubernatorial Forum and roundtable event with urban legislators. Candidates agreed that farmers need support—through expansion of rural broadband infrastructure, funding for implementation of best management practices and addressing labor issues.
Candidates share stance on agricultural issues at forum
A crowd gathered under the pavilion at the Fauquier County Fairgrounds to hear presentations by gubernatorial candidates Terry McAuliffe of Fairfax County and Glenn Youngkin of Falls Church. Youngkin, the Republican candidate, said he understands the “extraordinary expense” regulatory guidelines impose on farmers to meet environmental objectives for the Chesapeake Bay. The regulations to implement best management practices force change too quickly and without funding, he said. “I love and cherish the Chesapeake Bay,” Youngkin said. “But when we press forward and use best management practices as a tool to meet regulatory guidelines set for the Chesapeake Bay, we either have 8
VIRGINIA FARM BUREAU NEWS
Virginia gubernatorial candidates shared their agriculture and forestry platforms during the Young Farmers Summer Expo in August.
to back off the regulations or fully fund them, because what was done is unfair.” BMPs are backed by technical support from soil and water conservation districts and require a dedicated stream of funding. “There are no better stewards of the earth than our farmers—it’s their livelihood,” said McAuliffe, the Democratic candidate. “We need to put legislation together to have dedicated funding every single year going forward, because if you know it’s there, you can think five or 10 years ahead, and make strong decisions to protect our beautiful earth.” Every dollar invested in Chesapeake Bay restoration returns $4 in revenue to the state, he added. Youngkin said the H-2A programs supplying agricultural labor must remain functional. But access to industry training and education should be a priority for Virginia’s workforce. McAuliffe echoed those comments, saying the educational system must be redesigned to teach skills for jobs that will exist in the future. But that’s tough when 14% of Virginia students
don’t have reliable internet access. “And I promise, you will get broadband,” McAuliffe said, referencing incoming federal funds to expand broadband infrastructure. Bridging that digital divide is No. 1 on the agenda, Youngkin said, to invigorate rural economies statewide. “About 250,000 homes and small business across Virginia, in rural environments mostly, are being left out of educational and business development opportunities,” he stated. As governor, Youngkin said he would not make political appointments to key positions. “I look forward to working with all associations representing agriculture… to put experts in these jobs so there is representation for you,” he said. McAuliffe, who served as 72nd governor of Virginia, discussed his track record of supporting Virginia agriculture and forestry. During his tenure, he noted, the industry saw a 30% uptick in exports. “We did $3 billion in exports for first time in Virginia history,” he said. “I was the most traveled governor in U.S. history, with 35 trade missions to five >> CONT’D ON P. 10
