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Welcome to Virginia Grain Producers Association: The Voice for Virginia Grains

NEWS

Small Grains Field Day Event Nears, Offers Producers Innovation and New Research

Developments of new small grain seed varieties, seed treatments, weather impacts and industry discussions will be featured at the 2008 Virginia Small Grains Field Day on May 15 in Warsaw, Virginia. The Virginia Small Grains Field Day will be held at the Eastern Virginia Agricultural Research & Extension Center. [Press Release] [Event Flyer]

Current Issues:

VGPA Urges Congress to Protect ACRE Program in 2007 Farm Bill

As Congress and the farm bill conference committee continues to debate the 2007 farm bill, the Virginia Grain Producers Association (VGPA) continued its support of a strong, revenue-based farm bill.

Degrading the structure of the Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) program sends a signal to producers that protecting against higher input costs and the increased production risks is not a priority of the 2007 Farm Bill, said the Virginia Grain Producers Association (VGPA) today. VGPA urged Congress and the 2007 farm bill conference committee to commit to a strong structure for the ACRE program option. [Press release] [VGPA, Joint Farm Bill Letter]

VGPA Applauds Governors Response, Highlights Benefits of Biofuels

Virginia Grain Producers Association (VGPA) today applauds Governor Tim Kaine's response to Delegate Bob Marshall calls for a biofuels mandate waiver. Governor Kaine points out, there are several factors contributing to the increase in food prices; however, energy costs are one of the largest issues. Read the VGPA press release and Gov. Tim. Kaine's letter.

VGPA Meets with Virginia Land Grant University, Talks Research and Resources

In a recent meeting with the Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech, VGPA Executive Director Molly Pugh discussed the need for increased communication and outreach on grain production in Virginia. [More].

VGPA Pushes Back on Unfounded Food and Fuel, Environmental Statement

The Virginia Grain Producers Association (VGPA) countered the misinformation on food and fuel stated recently by Virginia Delegate Bob Marshall, whose U.S. Senate campaign issued a release urging Gov. Tim Kaine to temporarily waive Virginia's biofuels mandate.

Click here to read the VGPA press release.

Virginia's Producers Push for Effective Farm Bill

Virginia Grain Producers Association continues to advocate for reform inside the 2007 Farm Bill. The grains industry faces unprecedented opportunities and challenges and our Farm Bill policy must reflect these changes. The grain producers of Virginia need a more effecient safety net as well as reformed policy. Specifically, VGPA calls for a well structured, revenue based option inside Title I. This option would provide more adaquate protection for producers and use taxpayer money more responsibly. This is the message VGPA continues to take to Congress. [More]

VGPA Gears Up for Annual Small Grains Field Day

Make plans to join us! This year's field day boasts the release of seven new small grain varieties for use in Virginia. The 2008 Small Grains Field Day will be held May 15th at the Eastern Virginia Agricultural Research & Extension Center in Warsaw, VA. The event is hosted by the Virginia Grain Producers Association (VGPA) in cooperation with the Virginia Tech Cooperative Extension. [Press Release] [Events Information]

VGPA Responds to Virginian Pilot Article

Media interaction is a pressing issue for VGPA. In the recent Virginian Pilot article, "Going green takes extra cash," consumers were misinformed about producer conservation practices and agricultural's role in environmental responsibility. The Virginia Grain Producers Association (VGPA) countered the article with the real facts such as agriculture reducing soil erosion by 44 percent and VGPA's 85 percent member participation in conservation practices. [More]