In observance of Virginia Agriculture Week, Governor Abigail Spanberger embarked on a tour of Washington County, making notable visits on Wednesday. Among her stops, she engaged in a meaningful discussion with local farmers at the Copenhaver Brothers Farm.
During the roundtable meeting, Governor Spanberger emphasized the importance of agriculture in the state’s culture and economy. “Being on a sixth-generation farm highlights the essence of Virginia’s heritage,” she remarked. “Agriculture stands as Virginia’s leading private industry, with forestry ranking third. Remarkably, 95% of these agricultural enterprises are family-owned. As governor, strengthening our economy remains a top priority for me.”
This gathering provided a platform for Southwest Virginia farmers to share their perspectives and concerns directly with the governor, fostering a dialogue on pressing issues.
Brad Copenhaver, co-owner of the Copenhaver Brothers Farm, underscored agriculture’s significance, stating, “Agriculture isn’t just the largest industry in Virginia; it’s pivotal here in Washington County as well. Many may not be aware of this fact. Currently, one of our major challenges is preserving farmland and ensuring its transition to future generations. Development pressures are mounting throughout Virginia, including Southwest Virginia, and once we lose that farmland, it’s often gone for good.”
“Agriculture is the largest industry in Virginia. It’s the largest industry here in Washington County. I think a lot of people might not realize that,” Brad Copenhaver, co-owner of Copenhaver Brothers Farm, told News Channel 11. “One of the biggest challenges right now is farmland preservation, farmland conservation, and transitioning to the next generation of farmers. There’s development pressures all over Virginia, even here in Southwest Virginia, and when we lose that farmland, it’s hard to get it back. Or we don’t get it back.”
Another thing highlighted by Spanberger was the Farm & Forestry Prosperity Plan she signed into law this week.
“It has been an essential element of my administration’s plan for our Department of Commerce and Trade to work hand-in-glove with the Department of Agriculture and Forestry to ensure that, you know, when we are thinking about bringing in new investments to Virginia, it isn’t just a manufacturing plant that we’re trying to attract,” Spanberger said.
There are also bills included in the plan to encourage schools to buy food from Virginia farmers.