On August 28, the Orange County Extension Office welcomed a regional gathering of farmers and other agriculture- focused business leaders. With attendees from Spotsylvania, Nelson, Culpeper, Stafford, Caroline, and of course, Orange counties (among others), the packed house had gathered for a roundtable discussion regarding the challenges facing the agriculture industry. To hear their concerns, Virginia Senator Mark Warner partnered with the Extension Office to conduct a roundtable. Extension Office Hosts Senator Warner for Agriculture Roundtable By: Orange County Communications Department Much of the Senator’s opening remarks focused on concerns related to tariffs (and the potential impacts for farmers), SNAP benefit policies, higher education-related debt caps, and worker housing. Orange County District Five Supervisor Bryn Nicol attended as well; whose remarks focused on the challenges faced by localities to promote agriculture and managed growth through zoning and economic development approaches. Culpeper Supervisor Susan Gugino echoed some of those considerations, as well as solar policies. Owners and agribusiness representatives in attendance highlighted their own experiences and future concerns. Some aligned with those expressed during the Senator’s opening remarks. Other examples included labor availability, access to capital, workforce education, and ways to maintain generational farms in the face of other career opportunities. Hosting this event demonstrates how Orange County continues to be a regional agricultural leader. It was interesting to hear many diverse perspectives come together from across the Commonwealth to discuss solutions and ways forward for one of our most important industries.
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