The Virginia Agribusiness Council is a non-profit member organization committed to representing the agriculture and forest industries in the Commonwealth with a unified voice through effective government relations efforts.
Who are our members?
Family & Commercial Farms - Producers of field crops, vegetables, fruits, timber, livestock, dairy and poultry
Agribusiness Companies - Businesses that provide services or supplies to family and commercial farms and that process, manufacture, distribute or sell agriculture and forest products
Agricultural Lenders - Financial institutions that serve the agribusiness industry and rural communities
Urban Agriculture - Businesses engaged in urban turf and landscape management (i.e., golf courses, landscapers, lawn care)
Industry Associations - Non-profit organizations with agriculture and forestry members or promoters of the agribusiness industry (i.e., fair organizations, commodity associations)
Professional Individuals - Current employees or retirees of a member organization or other industry professionals
What is our history?
The Virginia Agribusiness Council was formed in 1971, but its roots go back to 1928 when its parent organization, the Agricultural Conference Board of Virginia, was organized. The organization was to act as a forum and unified voice for the many statewide farmer organizations at the then biennial sessions of the Virginia General Assembly.
When the General Assembly began meeting annually, the number and complexity of issues facing agriculture and forestry rapidly increased. Additional factors like urbanization and increasing numbers of legislators with little or no agribusiness background led to the formation of a more broadly based entity. The Virginia Agribusiness Council was organized and placed under the direction of a full-time professional staff.
Since then, the Virginia Agribusiness Council has gained the respect of lawmakers and regulatory agencies at both state and national levels whenever issues affecting the industry of agriculture and forestry are being debated and resolved.
Vision A Thriving Agribusiness Community for Future Generations
Mission
We represent Virginia Agribusiness with a Unified Voice
Core Values
Advance the business interests of agriculture and forestry producers, processors, manufacturers, retailers, and suppliers
Respect the views of all members and seek consensus based on proven facts and science
Facilitate solutions by engaging participants on both sides of an issue
Serve as a reliable and credible resource on matters related to our industry
Adhere to the intrinsic values of rural communities
Employ the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and excellence