WILLIAMSBURG, VA (Virginia Farm Bureau) — Farmers got credit for their commitment to growing the farm economy and culture of the commonwealth. And over the last four years, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin said his job has been to ensure that the state’s agriculture and forestry industries were stronger and more capable, moving toward a brighter future.

In a farewell address to Virginia Farm Bureau Federation at the organization’s annual convention in Williamsburg on Dec. 3, Youngkin reflected on the success and influence of the state’s largest private industry during his tenure.

“You feed us,” he said. “You fuel us. You clothe us. And not just here in the commonwealth of Virginia, not just in America, but around the world. That is at the epicenter of why it’s so important that we have a concerted effort to continue to drive forward Virginia’s agriculture industry.”

Youngkin reported that financially, Virginia is “in incredible shape” today, ranked No. 3 nationally for rainy day fund reserves with $10 billion of surplus revenue growth.

With Virginia agriculture and forestry generating $105 billion in combined economic impact annually, he acknowledged that farmers pulled their own weight and then some.

When Youngkin took officed in 2021, only $40 million was allocated for farmers implementing best management practices to protect water and soil quality.

“You wanted to fully participate in these investments, but the state wasn’t doing our part,” he said. “In the four years we’ve been here, we’ve allocated $676 million to ensure that we do our part to help you do yours!”

Youngkin also celebrated developments in agricultural trade and transport. The Port of Virginia, rail infrastructure and roadways have undergone improvements, he said, while state agricultural leaders have worked to open new export markets around the world.

Virginia also leads the nation in broadband expansion, connecting more than 185,000 unserved homes in rural Virginia.

“And we will be fully connected over the next six months because of the funding we received,” Youngkin added. “Now rural businesses have access to communication infrastructure to make agriculture even better year after year.”

He said his administration has streamlined or renewed 35% of state business regulations, creating new opportunities for direct-to-consumer operations like bakeries, breweries or fresh-grown produce.

Ongoing advocacy will sustain the industry’s momentum.

“When you see state legislators talking about forcing solar developments on communities with no input from localities, please raise your voice,” Youngkin said. “When you see the state government saying that economic development opportunities have to be made at the state level and not the local level, raise your voice.”

Advocating for the next generation is important as well, he said, “Not only for aspiring farmers, but also for those young farmers who are already in the business to see success— not just squeaking by—but prosperity.”

Youngkin expressed thanks to the Virginia FFA state officers and young agriculture leaders at the convention.

“You give us great confidence that the future is going to be incredibly bright,” he said.

The governor and first lady Suzanne S. Youngkin were each surprised with a distinguished award—the Honorary American FFA Degree. They are the first gubernatorial couple to ever receive this award that has been bestowed to only 250 Virginians over the last 99 years.

Andy Seibel, Virginia FFA executive secretary, listed the Youngkins’ contributions to and public support of the youth agricultural leadership organization.

“The governor and his wife have always opened their arms and taken the time to really get to know each state officer,” he said. “I can think of no one that’s been more of a champion.”