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2012 PRESS RELEASES

December

December 19, 2012
Governor Declares January 2013 as Virginia Agriculture Census Month

December 19, 2012
Virginia Program Keeps More Than 88,000 Pounds of Plastic Pesticide Containers from Landfills, Experiences A 25 Percent Increase in Pounds Collected Over 2011

December 17, 2012
Governor McDonnell Announces Homestead Creamery Expansion in Franklin County
– First-Ever Grant Award from Newly Created Governor's Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund –

December 13, 2012
Virginia Ranks Tenth Nationally for Winter Farmers’ Markets

December 11, 2012
The Biggest Favor You Can Do For Agriculture in Five Years

December 10, 2012
Southside, Tidewater and Central Virginia Cooperative Extension Agents

December 10, 2012
Isle of Wight County Extension Agent Recognized

December 10, 2012
Shenandoah County Extension Agent Recognized

December 7, 2012
Guidelines for Applying for the Beehive Grant Fund

December 4, 2012
Program Removes More Than 42,000 Pounds of Unwanted Pesticides from Southside Virginia

November

November 29, 2012
State Veterinarian Receives Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award

November 27, 2012
Planning Grants Now Available from Governor McDonnell’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Funds
–$250,000 for FY2013 in matching funds for local agribusiness development effort –

November 21, 2012
A Turkey of a Thanksgiving

November 20, 2012
Top Ten Reasons to Select a Virginia Grown Christmas Tree This Year

November 20, 2012
Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services to Meet December 6

November 15, 2012
Food Safety is the Key Ingredient for Thanksgiving Food Preparations

November 9, 2012
Virginia Peanuts Could Show Record Yield in 2012; Cotton and Soybean Yield Up

October

October 31, 2012
Farm to School Program + Local Involvement = Better Nutrition for Children, Economic Benefits for Community

October 26, 2012
Food Safety Guidelines Before, During and After Power Outages

October 26, 2012
As Hurricane Sandy Threatens East Coast, Farmers Need To Prepare Now

October 25, 2012
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available in Virginia Following Secretary of Agriculture Disaster Declaration

October 23, 2012
Small Farms, Part of the Future of Virginia Agriculture

October 19, 2012
Thirty-Three Virginia Counties Receive Primary Disaster Declarations
~AdditionallLocalities receive designation as contiguous disaster areas ~

October 11, 2012
Virginia’s Soybean, Cotton, Peanut and Tobacco Yields Good

October 11, 2012
It’s Fall - A Great Time to Eat and Drink Locally in Virginia

October10, 2012
Three Virginia Counties - Albemarle, Nelson And Page - Receive Primary Disaster Declarations

~ Fourteen counties and one independent city receive designation as contiguous disaster areas ~

October 5, 2012
Size, Color, Varieties – It’s All Good with Virginia Pumpkins This Year

October 5, 2012
New Study Shows Poultry Industry Has Economic Impact in Virginia That Exceeds $8 Billion

October 4, 2012
State Announces Nearly $500,000 in Specialty Crop Grants for Virginia

~ Benefitting crops include tomatoes, strawberries, wine grapes, pumpkins, gourds and more ~

October 2, 2012
Wheat and Barley Production Down, Oat Production Up

September

September 28, 2012
First Horse in 2012 Tests Positive for West Nile Virus

~ Horse had not been vaccinated for disease ~

September 21, 2012
Governor’s New Grant Fund Recognizes Unique Needs Of Ag-Based Businesses

September 14, 2012
Virginia Grand Champion Christmas tree and Wreath Earn Growers the Privilege to Present a Tree and Wreaths to the Governor and First Lady

September 13, 2012
Soybean, Corn, Cotton and Peanut Yields Up From the Previous Forecast

September 10, 2012
Deadline October 9, 2012, to Apply for Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loans in Virginia

September 10, 2012
Virginia’s Farmers’ Markets Rank among the Favorites in the Nation

September 6, 2012
Fall Fun is Just a Click Away

August

August 27, 2012
Farmers Should Prepare Now for Late Summer/Early Fall Storms

August 23, 2012
Governor McDonnell Announces Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund Now Open to Applicants

August 16, 2012
Electronic Benefit Transfer Machines Available to Virginia Farmers’ Markets at No Cost

August 15, 2012
Virginia State Fair Returns to Its Roots

August 10, 2012
Anticipated Yields for 2012

August 10, 2012
How will nationwide drought affect food prices?

August 9, 2012
State Veterinarian Announces Implementation of New Requirements for Livestock Entering Virginia

August 1, 2012
Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services to Meet, Hold Public Hearing August 7, 2012, In Winchester, Virginia

July

July 31, 2012
Olde Dominion Ag Complex Farmers’ Market Now Accepting Farm Market Fresh for Seniors Checks

July 27, 2012
State Fair of Virginia Scheduling Equine Events for 2012 Fair

July 27, 2012
Celebrate Virginia Farmers’ Market Week August 5 – 11, 2012

July 26, 2012
Virginia Expands Emerald Ash Borer Quarantine to Include the Entire Commonwealth

July 24, 2012
Virginia Expands Thousand Cankers Disease Quarantine to Include the Counties of Fairfax and Prince William and the Cities of Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas and Manassas Park

July 23, 2012
Virginia Maintains Pseudorabies Free Status, Allowing Virginia Pork to Continue Moving Freely Through the Marketplace

July 12, 2012
Turning a Childhood Fascination with Farming into a Career

July 12, 2012
Farm Link and Transition Pilot Workshop August 4 in Weyers Cave Targets New and Experienced Farmers

July 11, 2012
Wheat Yield Unchanged From June 2012, Barley Down From 2011

July 3, 2012
Vote for Your Favorite Virginia Farmers’ Market

July 3, 2012
Don’t Be Victimized By the Storm Again

~ Follow food safety guidelines when the power is out ~

June

June 27, 2012
Virginia Announces Certified Farm Seeker Program

June 22, 2012
Commissioner of Agriculture Expands Emerald Ash Borer Quarantine into Southside Virginia

June 22, 2012
Certification Class Offered in Richmond for Home-Based Food Production

June 20, 2012
Poultry Industry Donated 8,650 Pounds Of Turkey to Blue Ridge Area Food Bank

June 19, 2012
Application Deadline is July 16 for Small Business Administration Working Capital Loans Due to Weather Damage in Virginia in 2011

June 18, 2012
Virginia Crop Improvement Association Donates Much-Needed Peanut Butter to Virginia Food Banks

June 15, 2012
Poultry Industry to Donate More Than 8,500 Pounds Of Turkey to Blue Ridge Area Food Bank

June 13, 2012
Virginia’s Wheat Forecast Larger than Expected

June 11, 2012
Large Farms or Small - Why Would We Choose?

June 7, 2012
Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture Asks Farmers to Sign up and be Counted in the 2012 Census of Agriculture

~ Deadline for signing up is July 1, 2012 ~

June 6, 2012
Get the Facts on Virginia’s Largest Industry

June 4, 2012
VALOR Program Accepting Applications for Inaugural Class until June 15

June 4, 2012
Governor Declares Virginia Pollinator Week June 18 – 24, 2012

June 1, 2012
Celebrate Turkey Lovers’ Month in June
– Stay tuned in November when the National Thanksgiving Turkey from a farm in Virginia is expected to be presented to the President of the United States y  –

May

May 29, 2012
What Is Loaded With Protein, Needs No Preparation And Is On Its Way To Food Banks Throughout The State? – Peanut Butter

May 24, 2012
Governor Proclaims June Dairy Month
– Taste, nutrition and economic impact are hallmarks of the Virginia dairy industry  –

May 23, 2012
Governor McDonnell Announces Easing of Chinese Ban on Virginia Hardwood and Softwood Logs
– Administration's Efforts with Chinese, U.S. Agencies, and Log Exporters to Have Year-Old Export Restriction Lifted Yields Success –

May 23, 2012
New Legislation Provides Grants to Beekeepers

~ Grants available after January 1, 2013 ~

May 16, 2012
State Veterinarian Urges Horse Owners to Observe Strict Biosecurity during the Summer Show Season

May 16, 2012
Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services to Meet May 24

May 16, 2012
Dates and Collection Sites Announced for 2012 Pesticide Disposal Program

May 15, 2012
Farmers Asked to Report Land Uses across the State

May 14, 2012
Saluting Our Safe, Affordable and Ample Food Supply

May 10, 2012
Virginia’s Wheat Producers Expect Larger Crop

May 10, 2012
Virginia Agroterrorism Conference asks and answers the question, what would Virginia do in the event of an intentional introduction of Foot and Mouth Disease?

May 4, 2012
Virginia Hosts Largest State Pavilion Ever At the Summer Fancy Food Show

May 4, 2012
It’s Springtime - Eat the View

May 2, 2012
Profile Business Group, LLC, Doing Business as Maxx Fitness Closes in Annandale; Eligible Members Must File for Refunds by June 30, 2012

May 1, 2012
Virginia Agroterrorism Conference Set For May 9, 2012

April

April 30, 2012
Better Process Control School Helps Virginia Processers Meet Requirements of Federal and State Laws for Food Production

April 30, 2012
Need Help Meeting The $10 Buy Local Challenge This Week?

April 30, 2012
Henry’s Farm, Inc. Expands Recall Of Soybean Sprouts Due To Possible Health Risk

April 27, 2012
Henry’s Farm Inc. Recalls Soybean Sprouts Due to Possible Health Risk

April 23, 2012
Virginia Century Farm Program Hits 1,200 Milestone

April 13, 2012
Virginia Ham in China, Soybeans in Morocco, Apples in Cuba

April 12, 2012
Governor McDonnell Announces First Direct Shipments of Virginia Cattle to Canada
– Deal Will Help Grow Exports to Virginia's 3rd Largest Agricultural Products Customer –

April 11, 2012
Virginia Pesticide Control Board to Meet

April 3, 2012
Spring Food Safety Tips

April 2, 2012
Soybean, Corn and Peanut Acreage Up From 2011; Cotton Acreage Down

March

March 30, 2012
Statement Re SportsQuest High Performance Center (HPC)

March 29, 2012
Horse Owners Urged to Vaccinate Now for West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis

March 28, 2012
SportsQuest High Performance Center Closes in Midlothian; Eligible Members Must File for Refunds by May 25, 2012

March 28, 2012
Virginia Food and Beverage Expo Showcases Products from 130 Virginia Producers

March 20, 2012
Trapping Program Helps Track Movement of the Destructive Emerald Ash Borer in Virginia

March 19, 2012
The Virginia Food and Beverage Expo Returns March 28, 2012

March 15, 2012
Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services to Meet

March 15, 2012
$10 Challenge Could Add $1.65 Billion Annually to Virginia’s Economy

March 14, 2012
Celebrating Virginia Agriculture and Agriculture Literacy Week in Style

March 13, 2012
Virginia Agricultural Exports Reach Record High in 2011
– Value Exceeds $2.35 Billion; Up More Than 6% Over 2010 Level –
Governor's Global Marketing Initiatives Help Secure New Deals, Drive Growth

March 5, 2012
Sales at Virginia’s Wholesale Farmers’ Markets Top $42 Million in 2011

March 5, 2012
It’s Virginia Agriculture Literacy Week

March 1, 2012
National Weights and Measures Week is March 1 - 7. The week always starts on March 1, no matter what day that is.

February

February 21, 2012
Isle of Wight County and the City of Suffolk Receive Primary Disaster Declarations; Seven Localities Receive Contiguous Designations

February 15, 2012
Which Farmer Feeds You?

Virginia Agriculture Week is March 4 – 10, 2012

February 13, 2012
USDA Gearing Up To Conduct 2012 Census of Agriculture

National Agricultural Classification Survey is an Important Step toward a Complete Count

February 10, 2012
Virginia Companies Receive Grants for Value-Added Agricultural Products

February 10, 2012
A Presidential Beginning to Virginia Agriculture

February 9, 2012
Ladies First Fitness Closes In Lynchburg; Eligible Members Must File For Refunds by April 15, 2012

February 9, 2012
Five Virginia Localities Receive Primary Disaster Declaration
~ Craig, Frederick, Page and Surry Counties receive designation due to excessive heat and drought; Prince George designated because of Hurricane Irene ~

February 7, 2012
Virginia's Oyster Harvests Boom
– 2011 Harvest was the Best Since 1989; 2012 Harvest May be Largest in 25 Years –

February 7, 2012
Specialty Crop Grants: Request for Applications

February 2, 2012
Even In February, Local Foods Abound At Virginia Food Festivals

February 2, 2012
Virginia Wine Industry Jobs Grow by 50%; Economic Impact Doubles, New Study Finds
– Economic Impact of Virginia Wine Industry Increases 106% to $747 Million Over Figures from Last Study in 2005 –

January

January 31, 2012
Up To $750 in Reimbursement Funds Available for Organic Certification

January 27, 2012
International Trade Workshop March 13 - 14 in Richmond, Virginia

January 26, 2012
Farm Transition Workshop February 11 in Chatham, Virginia

January 23, 2012
Governor McDonnell Announces First Ever Direct Export of Virginia Holstein Bulls to Russia
– Deal Marks Continued Effort to Help Virginia Farmers Find New Export Markets  –

January 17, 2012
Governor McDonnell Announces $1.2 million in Farmland Preservation Grants

January 17, 2012
Beautiful Gardens Program Announces VT Spirit Daylily

January 12, 2012
Corn, Soybean, Peanut and Tobacco Yields Up in Virginia in 2011

January 11, 2012
Virginia Pesticide Control Board to Meet

January 11, 2012
Resolved: to Pay More Attention to Food Safety in 2012

~ Begin by Brushing up on “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star ~

January 9, 2012
Horse Owners Now Need Permits To Ride in Wildlife Management Areas

January 6, 2012
Sign Up For a CSA Now to Ensure Your Subscription for 2012

January 6, 2012
Annual Cotton Meeting February 7 in Franklin, Virginia

January 4, 2012
Virginia Named One of the 10 Best Wine Travel Destinations of 2012 by Wine Enthusiast

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