By Jamie Martin
In a landmark step for environmental and agricultural collaboration, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 3 and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) have signed their first ever Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize cooperation on sustainability and farm productivity.
The five year agreement promotes shared activities related to environmentally sound agricultural practices, compliance support, education, and outreach. Both agencies aim to balance environmental protection with the economic growth of Virginia’s farming sector.
“This marks a new chapter for partnership between EPA and the Commonwealth to protect Virginia’s environment and help its agricultural economy thrive,” said EPA Regional Administrator Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey. “I look forward to strengthening our collaboration under this agreement.”
EPA Regional Administrator Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey called the MOU “a new chapter for partnership between EPA and the Commonwealth to help Virginia’s environment and agricultural economy thrive.”
"We are happy to partner with the EPA to develop solutions for environmental protection and to keep Virginia agriculture productive," said VDACS Commissioner Joseph Guthrie. “By entering into this agreement with the EPA, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is reaffirming our commitment to Virginia farmers and agribusinesses by working together to strengthen the Commonwealth's agricultural community."
The event also included a roundtable hosted by the Virginia Farm Bureau (VFB), where EPA and VDACS met with agriculture and forestry industry leaders to discuss opportunities for cooperation. Scott Sink, VFB President, praised the effort, noting, “It is important for farmers and foresters to have their questions answered and their input considered.”
Through this partnership, Virginia is advancing toward a more sustainable and prosperous agricultural future built on collaboration, education, and environmental stewardship.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: National