Virginia Farm Bureau’s producer members take a keen interest in federal legislation that could affect their farms and their communities. They share their insights with U.S. senators and representatives when needed, and each January a delegation from Virginia helps the American Farm Bureau Federation shape its policies and legislative focus for the coming year.

National Accomplishments

Over the past several years Virginia Farm Bureau's producer members and governmental relations staff have worked together to bring about the following:

• Legislation that includes a tobacco quota buyout and promotes renewable fuels, signed into law in October 2004
• Healthy Forest Act passed to reduce risks posed by down trees and brush in national forests
• House of Representatives bill that would permanently repeal federal estate tax while maintaining “stepped up basis”
• Legislation introduced that would reform employer requirements of the H-2A program for foreign workers. We're continuing to fight for reform of H-2A and believe the 109th Congress will address it again
• Reduction of the federal capital gains tax in 2003
• Effective input in the implementation of the 2002 Farm Bill
• Trade Promotion Authority passed to move toward effective and balanced international trade