Farm Bureau hosts event forging partnership between EPA and Virginia agriculture
- Jeff Ishee
- Oct 10
- 2 min read
Source: VA Farm Bureau
The agreement encourages "honest and recurring discussions between EPA and the agriculture community"
RICHMOND, VA — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 3 and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formalize their partnership and expand collaborative activities related to agricultural practices that benefit the environment, regulatory and compliance programs, outreach, training, communication, and education.
The first-ever MOU between the two agencies, it was signed by EPA Regional Administrator Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey and VDACS Commissioner Joseph Guthrie. The signing was held at the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation on Oct. 6 and attended by state agriculture officials and industry leaders.
The five-year agreement emphasizes a shared commitment between EPA and VDACS to support well-managed, sustainable farms that produce food for local communities and a clean environment for everyone. The MOU outlines shared goals and activities to strengthen relations and outcomes for EPA and VDACS:
Increase state-federal collaboration by participating in organized meetings, sharing updates and communicating about program activities.
Encourage honest and recurring discussions between EPA and the agriculture community by participating in roundtables, farm tours and events.
Recognize, measure and promote environmental stewardship by documenting and sharing agricultural best practices and case studies with farmers.
Enhance regulatory compliance and improve water quality by participating in joint trainings and program assessments and refining communications about compliance and enforcement activities.
EPA and VDACS will produce an annual report to highlight collective achievements realized under the MOU and to outline plans for the coming year.
A roundtable discussion with agricultural stakeholders followed the MOU signing.
“Virginia Farm Bureau appreciates EPA seeking farmers’ and foresters’ perspectives when it comes to requirements impacting the No. 1 industry in the commonwealth,” said VFBF President Scott Sink.
He emphasized the importance of agriculture and forestry industry representatives having their questions answered, their input considered, and the door opened for future dialogue.
“I hope this will be one of many conversations between our members and EPA,” said Martha Moore, VFBF senior vice president of governmental relations.
This marks a new chapter for partnership between EPA and the commonwealth to protect Virginia’s environment and help its agricultural economy thrive, Van Blarcom-Lackey said.
“I look forward to strengthening our collaboration under this agreement,” she said. “We’re here as a partner, and we’re here to listen and understand.”
The partnership with EPA will further the development of solutions for environmental protection and to simultaneously keep Virginia agriculture productive, Guthrie said.
“By entering into this agreement with the EPA, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is reaffirming our commitment to Virginia farmers and agribusinesses by working together to strengthen the commonwealth's agricultural community."
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