American Farm Bureau Federation Presents Spanberger with “Friend of Farm Bureau” Award for Her Support of Central Virginia Crop & Livestock Producers, Rural Communities

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger has received the “Friend of Farm Bureau” award from the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF).

The “Friend of Farm Bureau” award is presented to Members of Congress who have supported Farm Bureau’s position on policy issues, been nominated by their respective state Farm Bureaus, and been approved by the AFBF Board of Directors.

“In my office on Capitol Hill, I have a sign that reads ‘If you ate today, thank a farmer.’ Few phrases could sum it up better. Day in and day out, the tireless work of American farmers and ranchers puts food on the table for millions and millions of families. Their efforts not only stave off hunger at home and across the world, they also generate tremendous value for our nation’s economy,” said Spanberger. “I’ve been proud to support legislation that benefits and strengthens opportunity for farmers in Central Virginia and across the United States, and I’m honored to receive this recognition from the American Farm Bureau Federation. I look forward to continuing my work on the Agriculture Committee, and I will continue reaching across the aisle in the U.S. House to build bipartisan support for legislation that improves profitability, increases market stability, and incentivizes innovation in the American ag industry for years to come.”

“The American Farm Bureau Federation gives the Friend of Farm Bureau award to Members of Congress who have supported Farm Bureau’s position on policy issues, as demonstrated by their voting records, and who were nominated by their respective state Farm Bureaus and approved by the AFBF Board of Directors,” said Paul Schlegel, Vice President of Public Affairs, American Farm Bureau Federation to Spanberger. “I am pleased to inform you that you have been selected as a Friend of Farm Bureau for the 116th Congress.”

“Congresswoman Spanberger supports agriculture and farmers through her position on the House Agriculture Committee, but also by listening to the needs of farmers, being a vocal advocate, and by voting to support agriculture on vital issues,” said Wayne F. Pryor, President, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. “We truly appreciate Rep. Spanberger for being a friend to the farmers of Virginia, especially at a time when the farm economy is challenged, and farmers are struggling”

BACKGROUND

Spanberger serves as a Member of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee and the Chair of the Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry. Seven of the 10 counties she serves are rural, and she has worked consistently to provide more market certainty, increase access to valuable voluntary conservation programs, and reduce red tape for Central Virginia farmers, livestock producers, and greenhouses.

In December 2019, Spanberger voted to pass the landmark United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA) trade deal after holding roundtables and visiting farms to gather input from Virginia farmers. Additionally, she worked directly with administration officials and met with Vice President Mike Pence at the White House to secure vital provisions to benefit Virginia’s economy.

In June 2020, Spanberger introduced the Growing Climate Solutions Act, bipartisan legislation that would help more farmers and agricultural producers access carbon markets and reap the financial rewards of smart, carbon-sequestering conservation practices. The bill would break down barriers – such as lack of technical assistance and limited access to reliable information – to help more farmers, ranchers, and foresters participate in the carbon credit market and get rewarded for their climate-improving stewardship of their land. Her bipartisan bill is endorsed by the American Farm Bureau Federation.

In August 2019, Spanberger visited nine farms and agribusinesses across Virginia’s 7th District in two days to hear directly from local crop and livestock producers, farm families, and agribusinesses. During her Farm Tour, Spanberger learned more about what conditions and measures at the federal level would best support growth for Central Virginia’s rural communities. She gathered direct feedback from farmers on the trade war with China, the volatility of the markets, the need for reliable high-speed internet access, and concerns about recruiting skilled workers.

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