A highly motivated and active membership, combined with an aggressive and knowledgeable staff, is the recipe for legislative and regulatory success. In fact, Virginia Farm Bureau was named one of Virginia Business magazine's top 10 lobbying organizations statewide in 2002. Over the past several years Farm Bureau's members and governmental relations staff have worked together to bring about the following:

Legislation that includes a tobacco quota buyout and promotes renewable fuels was signed into law in October 2004

Healthy Forest Act passed to reduce risks posed by down trees and brush in national forests

The House of Representatives passed a bill that would permanently repeal federal estate tax while maintaining “stepped up basis”

Legislation was introduced that would reform employer requirements of the H-2A program for foreign workers. We're continuing to fight for reform of H-2A and believe the 109th Congress will address it again.

Reduction of the federal capital gains tax in 2003

Effective input in the implementation of the 2002 Farm Bill

Trade Promotion Authority passed which will move us toward effective and balanced international trade.