2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26106920D

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 228

Offered March 3, 2026

Commending the Virginia Soil Health Coalition.

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Patrons—Laufer and Lopez

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WHEREAS, the Virginia Soil Health Coalition was first established by the United States Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service when the agency launched its soil health initiative in 2013; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Soil Health Coalition brought together a number of organizations and stakeholders that regard healthy soils as essential for improving long-term agricultural resilience and productivity in the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Soil Health Coalition facilitates soil health-building systems that address the four principles of soil health, including to keep soil covered, minimize disturbance, maximize living roots, and energize with diversity, providing environmental and economic benefits that support Virginia farmers, communities, and natural resources; and

WHEREAS, by improving soil health on all landscapes, the Virginia Soil Health Coalition advances the Commonwealth's water quality improvement commitments in the Chesapeake Bay watershed; and

WHEREAS, as a result of the Virginia Soil Health Coalition's efforts to bring partners across the Commonwealth together to promote effective collaboration and agricultural innovation, the Commonwealth is recognized nationally for its leadership in the adoption of soil health principles and practices; and

WHEREAS, by supporting collaboration across agriculture, conservation, and research institutions in advancing the implementation of soil health-building systems and practices, the Virginia Soil Health Coalition has helped to ensure a resilient future for all Virginia landscapes and communities; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That the Virginia Soil Health Coalition hereby be commended for enhancing soil health in the Commonwealth and for bolstering Virginia's agricultural productivity, water quality, climate resilience, and economies; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Virginia Soil Health Coalition as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the organization's contributions to soil health in the Commonwealth.