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Bill

SB 719

Virginia Farm and Forest Prosperity Plan; OSAF to develop and implement comprehensive Plan, report.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dave Marsden

Virginia directs its agricultural office to create a comprehensive Farm and Forest Prosperity Plan to strengthen agricultural and forestry sectors and report implementation progress.

Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources
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Bill Summary · SB 719

Legislative bill overview

SB 719 directs Virginia's Office of Agriculture and Forestry (OSAF) to develop and implement a comprehensive Farm and Forest Prosperity Plan designed to support and strengthen the state's agricultural and forestry sectors. The bill requires OSAF to report on the plan's development and implementation progress to relevant legislative committees.

Why is this important

Agriculture and forestry represent significant economic and environmental components of Virginia's economy and land use. A coordinated state plan could address challenges like farm viability, workforce retention, sustainable practices, and market access—issues that affect rural communities, food security, and natural resource management across the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope and funding ambiguity: The bill doesn't specify what the plan must contain, success metrics, or dedicated funding, leaving implementation details unclear and potentially creating unfunded mandates
  • Competing interests: Agricultural expansion, forest conservation, environmental protection, and development pressures may create conflicting priorities within a single plan
  • Implementation capacity: Unclear whether OSAF has adequate resources and expertise to develop a truly "comprehensive" plan without additional appropriations or staff

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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