RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS - 2009

The Council is recognized as one of the most effective lobbying organizations in the State.

• Secured $20 million for the Agriculture BMP Cost-Share Program for 2009 and 2010
• Coordinated efforts of state and national agribusiness organizations to respond to water quality pressures, particularly within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed
• Sucessfully defeated privatization of the VDACS Weights & Measures Inspection Program
• Acquired additional tools for land preservation, including state funding and new programs
• Sought state climate change and energy policies that encouraged alternative energy development and balanced cost impacts
• Continued efforts to raise awareness of the need for the protection of private property rights in the State Constitution
• Thwarted efforts to reinstate the Estate Tax
• Ensured that the employment of legal immigrant labor is not adversely impacted
• Delayed consideration of increased permit fees for legally overweight vehicles
• Defeated numerous legislative proposals from advocates of animal rights
• Established a study of the need for large animal veterinarians
• Defeated a bill that would have imposed certain requirements for the sale of equines that could have been broadened to other livestock
• Assisted with clarifying the "agriculture nature" of wineries onsite activities
• Ensured that landowners will be properly notified when the State Forester enters and inspects lands where silvicultural activities are occurring
• Made sure a new Advisory group on invasive species included the appropriate stakeholders
• Minimized the impact of new regulations for the certification of commercial fertilizer applicators on non-agriculture land
• Watched over legislation the nursery industry had negotiated regarding licensure of landscape architects

December 1, 2009