RICHMOND—Farmers from the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation (VFBF) recently participated in the annual Legislative Day at the General Assembly in Richmond. They engaged with lawmakers to discuss legislation impacting agriculture, particularly wage issues and the placement of solar collection facilities on valuable farmlands.

Martha Moore, senior vice president of VFBF governmental relations, emphasized the importance of building positive relationships with urban representatives through roundtable discussions. Despite disagreements on certain issues, legislators have shown willingness to engage in conversations. In their efforts to advocate for the agricultural industry, farmers offered complimentary snack bags containing locally grown agricultural products to lawmakers.

Specific concerns raised by farmers included the loss of local control over zoning for solar facilities and proposals to increase the minimum wage to $15 by 2026, which the Farm Bureau opposes. Some farmers argued that higher starting wages could hinder opportunities for youth to gain valuable work experience. There is ongoing discussion, led by Senate agriculture committee chair Sen. Dave Marsden, about potential amendments to address labor issues and training opportunities.