WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger today was selected to serve as Chair of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry. She also secured an appointment to serve on the U.S. House Agriculture Committee Subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit.

The Conservation and Forestry Subcommittee is responsible for legislation related to soil conservation, resource management, and forestry. As part of her role, Spanberger will work to advance priorities on the Subcommittee that are important to Central Virginia’s crop and livestock producers, including issues related to soil health and water quality. On the Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit Subcommittee, Spanberger will focus on agricultural markets, credit, rural electrification, and rural development issues—including expanding rural broadband access in Central Virginia and across rural America.

“Americans have a long tradition of supporting their natural resources, and we have a duty to preserve them for generations to come. Today, I am honored to be named Chair of the Conservation and Forestry Subcommittee, and I look forward to improving our nation’s conservation research efforts, strengthening our watersheds, and making sure our soil is healthy for the next generation of farmers,” said Spanberger. “We must continue to be good stewards of our farmland, because the health of our soil is the foundation for all successful production agriculture. In implementing the 2018 Farm Bill, we must promote responsible soil health practices that improve moisture retention and grass production. Additionally, as a member of the Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit Subcommittee, I am eager to consider new and innovative ways to make reliable, high-speed broadband internet access available to more rural communities in Central Virginia and across the country. We must pursue smart, bipartisan policies and programs that improve economic opportunities for our rural residents, and I am ready to begin our critical work.”

“Congresswoman Spanberger understands that producers, conservationists, and community leaders need to partner in the effort to conserve our natural resources,”said House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-MN-7). “Her work as Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry will guide this effort at the national level,”

Last week, Spanberger was appointed to serve on the House Agriculture Committee for the 116th Congress, where she will focus on agricultural policy to benefit Central Virginia’s rural communities and farm economy.

Spanberger represents Virginia’s 7th Congressional District, which contains all or portions of Amelia, Chesterfield, Culpeper, Goochland, Henrico, Louisa, Nottoway, Orange, Powhatan, and Spotsylvania counties in Central Virginia.

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