2026 SESSION

ENGROSSED

26105420D

SENATE BILL NO. 719

Senate Amendments in [ ] - January 30, 2026

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Article 2.1 of Chapter 2 of Title 2.2 a section numbered 2.2-203.4, relating to Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry; Virginia Farm and Forest Prosperity Plan; report.

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Patron Prior to Engrossment—Senator Marsden

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Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Article 2.1 of Chapter 2 of Title 2.2 a section numbered 2.2-203.4 as follows:

§ 2.2-203.4. Virginia Farm and Forest Prosperity Plan; report.

A. During the first year of each new gubernatorial administration, the Secretary shall develop and implement a written comprehensive Virginia Farm and Forest Prosperity Plan (the Plan) that is designed to be enacted over the course of such gubernatorial administration's term. Strategic areas of focus for the Plan shall include the economic prosperity, diversification, and growth of the agriculture and forestry industries in the Commonwealth. In developing the Plan, the Secretary shall review the existing agriculture and forestry policies in effect at the commencement of the Governor's term of office. The Secretary shall make revisions to such existing policies as the Secretary deems necessary to ensure that it is appropriate for the Commonwealth. [ The Secretary shall coordinate with representatives of agriculture and forestry organizations, members of the agribusiness community, and other stakeholders they deem necessary, in developing the Plan. ]

B. The Secretary shall submit a report detailing the progress made toward the development and implementation of the Virginia Farm and Forest Prosperity Plan to the Governor and to the Chairs of the House Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources and the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources by December 1 of the first year of each new gubernatorial administration.