Farming
- Loudoun Supervisor Caleb Kershner Addresses Solar Panel Effects on County Vistas
Loudoun County Supervisor Caleb Kershner addressed the effects of solar panel installations on the county’s scenic vistas during a recent discussion.
- Valley Link Transmission Line Threatens Generational Farm in Orange County
Michael Carter Jr.
- Fluvanna County Edgewood Apiaries Opens Retail Space at Stony Point Fashion Park
Edgewood Apiaries owner Amanda Sweeney in her new retail and production space in Stony Point. (Jackie DiBartolomeo photos) Stony Point Fashion Park is getting some added buzz by way of a new tenant from Fluvanna County. Edgewood Apiaries, which makes honey and beeswax products on a 100-acre farm in Bremo Bluff, recently opened the doors
- Robert Bloxom House Bill 52 on Beneficial Reuse of Dredged Material Passes Assembly
RICHMOND — In a unanimous display of bipartisan cooperation, the Virginia General Assembly passed House Bill 52 on March 10, 2026, establishing a statewide policy to prioritize the beneficial use of dredged material from waterways. Sponsored by Delegate Robert Bloxom Jr., the mea
- Virginia Legislature Unanimously Approves Repeal of Apple Board and Excise Tax on Growers
RICHMOND, Virginia — In a rare display of bipartisan unity, the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate have passed House Bill 65, a bill to repeal the state Apple Board and the associated Apple Fund effective July 1, 2028.
- Loudoun County Farm Bureau Addresses Agricultural Exemption Distinctions
A representative from the Loudoun County Farm Bureau provided details on how agricultural exemptions apply differently to various structures. The presentation focused on the intended purposes of such rules in local zoning contexts. Barns used for storing hay represent typical agricultural buildings with specific lower standards for construction. Event centers seeking similar treatment must demonst
- Virginia Delegate Proposes Historic Recognition for Bicentennial Family Farms
In the 2026 Virginia House of Delegates regular session, Delegate Jason Ballard introduced House Bill 104 to amend state law regarding the Virginia Historic Landmarks Register. The legislation specifically directs the Department of Historic Resources to include bicentennial farms among the types of properties that can be nominated for listing on the register. This step […]
- Virginia Budget Shifts Rural EV Charging Costs Away from State Taxpayers
The Virginia state budget for the upcoming fiscal year introduces a fiscally responsible shift regarding the funding of electric vehicle infrastructure in rural communities. Under budget amendment Item 420, lawmakers have replaced direct state spending with a language-only directive that protects state taxpayer dollars from being drained by expensive green energy initiatives. This conservative mov
- Virginia Enacts Legislation to Update Noxious Weeds Regulations and Close Commercial Loophole
In the recent 2026 session of the Virginia General Assembly, House Bill 109 was enacted into law, bringing important changes to the management of noxious weeds in the Commonwealth. The legislation, which amends sections 3.2-800 and 3.2-802 of the Code of Virginia, focuses on updating the definition of noxious weeds and removing barriers that had […]
- Virginia Senator Richard Stuart Discusses Urban-Rural Policy Challenges
Senator Richard Stuart spoke before the Virginia legislature about distinctions between rural and urban areas in the state. He described how certain daily practices common in rural settings differ from those in cities, leading to potential misunderstandings in lawmaking. These observations focused on practical elements of life outside urban centers. The presentation highlighted examples such […]
- 60 acres of Virginia Land Given for Free in Henrico for Black Virginians to Farm
Duron Chavis on land transferred to the Central Virginia Agrarian Community Land Trust. May 2026. (Photo by Shannon Heckt/Virginia Mercury) In a fallow field off the Virginia Capital Trail in Henrico County Tuesday morning, urban agriculture expert Duron Chavis walked through the grass alongside Parker Agelasto, a former Richmond City councilman who now leads the […]
- Loudoun County Farmer Highlights Concerns on Agrotourism’s Impact on Rural Preservation
Rockland Farm’s history traces back over 200 years within the Rust and Brown-Devlin family lineage, including figures like Elizabeth Devlin. The site has weathered regional changes, such as legal issues surrounding White’s Ferry operations that halted service in 2020. Since launching his farm in 2020, Devlin has engaged with networks of seasoned Loudoun farmers committed […]
- Chesterfield’s indoor farming startup Plenty declares bankruptcy after multiple lawsuits
The operator of an indoor farming facility that was highly praised in Chesterfield declared bankruptcy.
- AeroFarms Expansion Creating 66 New Jobs
To meet increased customer demand, leader in indoor vertical farming to increase production capacity in Pittsylvania County RICHMOND, VA – Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced that AeroFarms, a Certified B Corporation and world leader in indoor vertical farming, will create sixty-six additional new jobs and increase production of freshly-grown leafy greens as part of a major […]