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This year the General Assembly will consider a package of bills designed to encourage the preservation of Virginia’s farmland. I feel that the passage of these bills would mark a significant step forward for agri-industries in Virginia.
The first of these measures expresses the Legislature’s concern over the rapid rate at which much of Virginia’s prime agricultural land is being converted to nonagricultural uses. Agriculture and related industries comprise the largest and most important segment of Virginia’s economy and any threat to it should be taken seriously. This bill requires seven State agencies which influence land use to develop a plan for a farmland preservation policy.
In addition, when any State agency’s program or project would result in loss of agricultural land, the proposal must be submitted to the Department of Agriculture who would then review the plan and make recommendations to the Governor. I feel that this legislation is long overdue and will support it wholeheartedly in the Senate.
Another important bill will attempt to ensure that the Extension Division at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University focuses mainly on agriculture as was intended at its inception. The services which the Division
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