Farm Bureau To Protest Chesapeake Bay Legislation Annual Convention Nov. 29 - Dec. 2 In Richmond   When Virginia Farm Bureau members meet in Richmond Nov. 29 through Dec. 2, they plan to take a stand against proposed Chesapeake Bay legislation that could put some producers out of business. Virginia Farm Bureau Federation will hold its 2009 Annual Convention at the Richmond Marriott. At a Dec. 2 news conference VFBF President Wayne F. Pryor and others will outline why Farm Bureau members view proposed changes to the Chesapeake Bay Program as short-sighted and potentially disastrous. If a bill sponsored by Maryland Sen. Benjamin Cardin to reauthorize the Chesapeake Bay Program is passed, “some Virginia farmers may have to close up shop,” Pryor said. The press conference is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 2. In the earlier days of the convention, Farm Bureau members of all ages will be recognized for various distinctions. Among them will be the winner of the 2009 VFBF Young Farmer Environmental Stewardship Award for use of best management practices to prevent erosion and keep nutrients from running into Virginia waterways. The winner will be announced during a Dec. 1 awards breakfast, along with winners of the Young Farmer Achievement Award and Young Farmer Excellence in Agriculture Award. Members also will recognize the winner of the 2009 Warren Beach Award for noteworthy support of young farmers. The final round of the Young Farmer Discussion Meet also will be held Dec. 1. The competition simulates a committee-style discussion about a predetermined agricultural topic, with judging based on participants’ problem-solving and consensus-building skills. Winners of this year’s Discussion Meet, Achievement Award and Excellence in Agriculture Award will compete on the national level in January at the 2010 American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention in Seattle. The VFBF Farm Woman of the Year will be announced Nov. 30 during the annual Family Night program. That designation is given to a member based on her contributions to her family farm, her community and Farm Bureau. During a Dec. 1 banquet, Farm Bureau will present its annual Distinguished Service Awards, which recognize people who work to support the future of Virginia’s agriculture industry. Preserving the economic future of farmers is the theme of this year’s convention—“Fields of Green: Growing America’s Economic Future.” The event includes a series of educational workshops on Nov. 30 relating to the federal deficit, land use and animal welfare issues. Dr. Barry Flinchbaugh, professor of agricultural economics at Kansas State University, will give the keynote address about the federal deficit and relevant agriculture policy topics during Monday’s opening luncheon. The luncheon also will be used to recognize print and broadcast news professionals with the VFBF Journalism Awards for exemplary coverage of agriculture. During general sessions of the convention, voting delegates from each of Virginia’s 88 county Farm Bureaus will discuss and vote on the organization’s state and federal legislative policies for the coming year. The delegates also will elect several members of Farm Bureau’s state board and the Virginia AgPAC board of trustees. With nearly 150,000 members in 88 county Farm Bureaus, VFBF is Virginia’s largest farmers’ advocacy group. Farm Bureau is a non­governmental, nonpartisan, voluntary organization committed to protecting Virginia’s farms and ensuring a safe, fresh and locally grown food supply.

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