Animal Care
Virginians are shifting away from the farm geographically and culturally, and there is a lack of understanding on how animals are cared for and raised. Farm Bureau is fighting to tell our story of animal care and stewardship. As farmers we recognize and deliver on our obligation to build and maintain the trust of the public in the food we produce and how the food is raised.
Farm Bureau is Fighting For:
• Advancement of animal care through scientific research, education, collaboration and advocacy
• Decisions regarding animal use and care be founded in scientific knowledge and professional judgment
Farmland Preservation
To preserve Virginia’s diminishing amount of farmland, programs should be established that recognize the impact of development and the benefit of farmland to a community. Farm Bureau works with governmental agencies and other interested partners both at the state and local level to ensure that farmland remains in production to continue to feed the commonwealth.
Farm Bureau is Fighting For:
• The implementation of a more ag-friendly conservation easement for working lands
• Stable funding for the Office of Farmland Preservation
• Local tools like land use assessment taxation to remain a viable option to preserve land
Property Rights
Farm Bureau has taken a keen interest in eminent domain laws, because farmers’ livelihoods are tied to their land. This past year, VFB fought for Virginians’ ability to vote to amend the state constitution to further protect their property rights. The constitutional amendment also must pass in the 2012 General Assembly in order to be on the ballot for voters next year.
Farm Bureau is Fighting For:
The passage of a constitutional amendment for eminent domain that will:
• Protect landowners
• Ensure that government can’t give private lands to another private entity
• Provide for fair reimbursement
Water Quality
Farmers have long been helping clean up the bay by utilizing best management practices and are willing to continue these efforts. There must be adequate funding and a reasonable timetable to assist landowners with their farm practices. Farm Bureau also believes that regulations should be reasonable and determined on a state level as opposed to federal mandates.
Farm Bureau is Fighting To:
• Protect farmers from burdensome and unnecessary regulations
• Keep incentive-based programs like agricultural best management practices funded
• Use scientific research models that show voluntary clean-up efforts of farmers