2007 PRESS RELEASES

November 16, 2007
GOVERNOR CUTS RIBBON FOR NEW ANIMAL HEALTH DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY AND OFFICE COMPLEX IN HARRISONBURG
Contact: Elaine J. Lidholm, 804.786.7686

On November 14, 2007, Governor Timothy M. Kaine cut the ribbon and dedicated the building for a new laboratory and office complex in Harrisonburg.  The complex, which houses employees from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), is a state-of-the-art facility that provides diagnostic testing for Virginia's poultry and livestock industries in the Shenandoah Valley and surrounding counties.  Joining in the ribbon-cutting ceremony are, left to right, Delegate Matthew J. Lohr, 26th District; Robert S. Bloxom, Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry; Governor Kaine; and Todd P. Haymore, Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. 

In his remarks, Governor Kaine noted that agriculture/forestry is Virginia's number one industry, with nothing else coming a close second.  He also noted that the work done at the Harrisonburg lab helps ensure the safety of Virginia's food supply.  The Harrisonburg Laboratory is the flagship of VDACS' network of five labs.  Others are located in Warrenton, Ivor (Tidewater), Lynchburg and Wytheville.  The new complex also provides office space for VDACS staff in Marketing, Consumer Protection and other employees in the State Veterinarian's Office.

Photo courtesy of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services