Agriculture and Natural Resources

Agriculture and forestry are the Commonwealth’s top industries—and Rockingham is Virginia’s leading ag-producing locality. That’s why I’ve consistently prioritized policies that support this vital sector.

I’ve backed legislation to encourage agritourism, farm breweries and wineries, and to protect family farms through responsible tax and estate policies. I’ve also worked across the aisle to provide support to our struggling dairy industry through relief programs that promote both economic stability and environmental stewardship.

The pandemic exposed a weakness in Virginia’s meat processing infrastructure. To address this, I secured funding in the House budget to expand processing capacity—supporting both producers and consumers.

I strongly support the conservation of our natural resources through voluntary, cooperative efforts. Virginia has made meaningful progress in cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay, and I helped pass an enhanced tax credit to encourage farmers to adopt best practices for improving water quality—without burdensome government mandates.