Spanberger Hosts 2023 Farm Bill Discussion in Madison County, Receives “Friend of Farm Bureau Award” from Virginia Farm Bureau

The Congresswoman is the Only Virginian on the U.S. House Agriculture Committee

MADISON, V.A. Today, U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger — the only Virginian on the U.S. House Agriculture Committee — joined Virginia crop and livestock producers, agribusiness owners, and farm groups to hear about their priorities as 2023 Farm Bill discussions begin in Congress. Additionally, the Virginia Farm Bureau presented Spanberger with their “Friend of Farm Bureau Award.”

Spanberger’s listening session in Madison County brought together dozens of Seventh District farmers — representing a diverse range of operations and commodities. During the conversation, they discussed challenges, concerns, and ideas that Spanberger can bring back to Congress during Farm Bill negotiations. Topics at the event included supply chain issues, challenges facing beginning farmers, voluntary conservation programs, workforce shortages, cutting red tape, and market conditions.

“As Farm Bill negotiations begin in Congress, my top priority is to listen to the needs and concerns of Virginians and bring those to the conversation. Today in Madison County, I heard directly from crop and livestock producers about their challenges and opportunities going into the next few years,” said Spanberger. “This feedback directly informs my work on behalf of Virginia’s ag industry, which makes up a massive part of our Commonwealth’s economy. That’s why I’m honored to once again receive the Friend of Farm Bureau Award from the Virginia Farm Bureau — and that’s why as the only Virginian on the House Agriculture Committee, I’ll keep working to make sure our farmers have a seat at the table, a voice that is heard, and a stronger future here in the Commonwealth.”

The “Friend of Farm Bureau Award” recognizes Spanberger’s focus on agricultural issues, her work with industry leaders, and her accessibility. At Thursday’s event, Madison County Farm Bureau leadership and Virginia Farm Bureau representatives presented Spanberger with the award.

Spanberger serves as Ranking Member of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee’s Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology Subcommittee, as well as a Member of the Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Subcommittee.

###