Tim Kaine
timkaine.com

No Response

Hung Cao
hungforva.com

No Response

Robert Wittman*
robwittman.com

No Response

Leslie Mehta
lesliemehta.com

I am seeking this position to improve the lives of families here in CD1 and throughout Virginia. I want to see Congress do more and actually pass legislation that makes a positive difference in Virginians' lives. I am distressed by the excessive partisanship and the unwillingness to work together and compromise to solve problems.

Robert Wittman*
robwittman.com

No Response

Leslie Mehta
lesliemehta.com

1. Improving the economy, bringing down inflation, addressing the housing crisis and making sure all families can thrive.
2. Protecting our democracy by making sure the pillars of our government are allowed to function.
3. Ensuring affordable quality health care for everyone including mental health care, reasonably priced prescription drugs and reproductive and contraceptive care.

Robert Wittman*
robwittman.com

No Response

Leslie Mehta
lesliemehta.com

We need to provide financial support and other incentives to encourage young people to attend veterinary school. As we do with medical doctors, we need to forgive loans and provide other incentives for young vets who will work in underserved areas. We need to review pharmaceuticals to see if we can make more available without prescription. Seems like a secondary review is necessary here. It doesn't help anyone if making it only available by prescription means that the animal doesn't get it.

Robert Wittman*
robwittman.com

No Response

Leslie Mehta
lesliemehta.com

We need to increase the H-2A program.

As we debate immigration, we need to recognize and acknowledge that agriculture is one of many industries that would really struggle without immigrants willing and eager to do some of the jobs. We need to appreciate those immigrants and their contributions to our industry and to the economy. As we talk about deportations, we must acknowledge that such actions will leave industries like agriculture, at best struggling and potentially driving farms out of business.

Robert Wittman*
robwittman.com

No Response

Leslie Mehta
lesliemehta.com

We need to ensure the tax code supports farming and family farms. Agriculture is critical to Virginia as its largest private industry. Farming has an economic impact of $82.3 billion annually, providing more than 381,800 jobs in the commonwealth. The tax code needs to reflect this significant impact that farming has in Virginia. Moreover, to support farming, the tax code and other legislation need to support the preservation of both family farms and farmland.

Robert Wittman*
robwittman.com

No Response

Leslie Mehta
lesliemehta.com

Yes, facts and science should always be the basis of decisions.

Robert Wittman*
robwittman.com

No Response

Leslie Mehta
lesliemehta.com

The farm bill is critical, and I am very disappointed it is stalled in Congress. My goal will be to work in a bipartisan manner to ensure critical legislation, like the farm bill, passes no matter which party is in charge. The farm bill should strengthen farmers and reduce their costs, help to reduce hunger, support sustainable agriculture, revitalize our rural communities, and strive to help farmers support renewable energy.

Jen Kiggans*
jenforcongress.com

I'm running for reelection to continue providing Virginians with the strong, independent leadership they deserve in Washington. I believe that by enacting policies like common sense spending cuts, responsible use of our commonwealth’s natural resources, and increased national security, we can provide Virginians—and all Americans—with a secure economy, secure country, and secure future where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Missy Cotter Smasal
missy4congress.com

No response

Robert Reid

No response

Jen Kiggans*
jenforcongress.com

1. Lowering the cost of living and improving our economy. Record high inflation has made starting, owning and operating a business—as well as raising a family—incredibly difficult.
2. Strengthening national security. It’s critical that Americans feel safe and secure at home.
3. Securing America’s future. By ensuring that our country’s producers and businesses are able to thrive today, we can guarantee future generations the same opportunities we’ve been afforded.

Missy Cotter Smasal
missy4congress.com

No Response

Robert Reid

No response

Jen Kiggans*
jenforcongress.com

Like many health-related professions, vet shortages are negatively impacting rural communities in Virginia and across our country. By establishing incentive programs at both the state and federal levels to encourage Virginians to pursue vet degrees and then use those degrees in our commonwealth, we can make significant headway toward addressing this problem and ensuring that our farmers have access to reliable veterinary care.

Missy Cotter Smasal
missy4congress.com

No Response

Robert Reid

No response

Jen Kiggans*
jenforcongress.com

Our immigration system is broken in many ways. I believe it’s possible to enforce and strengthen existing immigration laws while also working to simply the process of coming to our country legally—whether that be temporarily through the H-2A program or permanently. By working toward these two goals, we can ensure the survival of critical programs like H-2A while also protecting federal benefits for American citizens.

Missy Cotter Smasal
missy4congress.com

No Response

Robert Reid

No response

Jen Kiggans*
jenforcongress.com

Our farmers feed our families, clothe our children, and keep our nation running. Our tax code is overly complicated and too often doesn't benefit everyday Americans, which is why I strongly support simplifying it while providing incentives to our family farmers that allow them to keep ownership of their businesses and continue to produce the goods that our country relies on.

Missy Cotter Smasal
missy4congress.com

No Response

Robert Reid

No response

Jen Kiggans*
jenforcongress.com

Yes. There is no reason that our federal agencies should be making anti-science decisions and decreasing reliable access to proven-safe pesticides. Bureaucratic red tape has made life difficult for many types of businesses, but especially our farmers. I remain committed to decreasing our government's regulatory burden and allowing businesses to flourish.

Missy Cotter Smasal
missy4congress.com

No Response

Robert Reid

No response

Jen Kiggans*
jenforcongress.com

The 2018 Farm Bill provided critical improvements to federal crop insurance and conservation programs, which we know is incredibly important to the survival of family farms in our commonwealth and across our nation. Additionally, the policies supporting our aquaculture industry have been a great help to our coastal producers.

In the next farm bill, I’m pushing for continued reform of Title I Crop Insurance that bases payments on historic acres instead of planted acres.

Missy Cotter Smasal
missy4congress.com

No Response

Robert Reid

No response

Robert “Bobby” Scott*
bobbyscottforcongress.com

No Response

John Sitka
sitkaforcongress.com

I am running as the Republican candidate for U.S. Congress VA-03. I see our country's future in perilous times. Someone needs to stand up for people like myself, the LITTLE GUY. We are at the mercy of an out-of-control, overreaching government that has no regard for middle- or lower-class Americans. That spends money that we do not have on illegal aliens, foreign countries and over-bloated government agencies.

Rhoda Taylor-Young

No Response

Robert “Bobby” Scott*
bobbyscottforcongress.com

No Response

John Sitka
sitkaforcongress.com

1. Rebuilding a dying economy and creating a robust energy policy.
2. Secure the border and deport violent, illegal immigrants immediately.
3. Rebuild the military.

Rhoda Taylor-Young

No Response

Robert “Bobby” Scott*
bobbyscottforcongress.com

No Response

John Sitka
sitkaforcongress.com

I am opposed to switching over-the-counter livestock medicines to prescription (Rx). The U.S. Congress has abdicated its constitutional responsibility not to make laws and let agencies and unelected bureaucrats create regulations to overburden businesses and farmers. My goal is to eliminate all burdensome and costly regulations for the American people. If a regulation is worthy, then it should be a law, then Congress should make it a law.

Rhoda Taylor-Young

No Response

Robert “Bobby” Scott*
bobbyscottforcongress.com

No Response

John Sitka
sitkaforcongress.com

Special interests push these regulatory agencies to create regulations. We need to eliminate these burdensome regulations by having Congress eliminate them. Congress must support and reward legal immigrants who want to be productive in our country. Additionally, the government has to get out of the way of our industries, businesses and farms.

Rhoda Taylor-Young

No Response

Robert “Bobby” Scott*
bobbyscottforcongress.com

No Response

John Sitka
sitkaforcongress.com

The federal government has become increasingly overreaching in its authority and power. I hate to hear that a family loses its property due to the increasing greed of the estate tax. I want a tax code that encourages success, savings, investment and entrepreneurship. I would like to hear how Congress can improve the current tax code to preserve farmland and promote the next generation of farmers.

Rhoda Taylor-Young

No Response

Robert “Bobby” Scott*
bobbyscottforcongress.com

No Response

John Sitka
sitkaforcongress.com

One of the worst things any regulatory agency or Congress should do is make laws or regulations on unsupported science or junk science. Again, special interests are the ones pushing these unsubstantiated policies and strategies. Yes, I support science-based decision-making when deciding which products should be available to farmers.

Rhoda Taylor-Young

No Response

Robert “Bobby” Scott*
bobbyscottforcongress.com

No Response

John Sitka
sitkaforcongress.com

I must admit that I don't know enough about the 2018 Farm Bill to give a competent answer. Regardless, I would very much like to hear from Virginia farmers what they believe should be in a 2025 Farm Bill so that I can fight for our Virginia farmers.

Rhoda Taylor-Young

No Response

Jennifer McClellan*
jennifermcclellan.com

From an early age I realized that government could be a force of good that helps people, or it could be used to hurt people for the benefit of a select few. I wake up every day and think what I can do to help the most people and that's what motivated me to run for this office. I want to make sure government is used to help people and meet them where they are.

William (Bill) Moher
billmoherforcongress.com

As I run for Congress in Virginia's 4th District, I'm fueled by a strong belief in American innovation and freedom. I stand for limited government, individual liberties and free-market principles, working toward a future where every American can thrive. Join me on this journey to build a better, more prosperous nation for all.

Jennifer McClellan*
jennifermcclellan.com

Economy, health care and voting rights.

William (Bill) Moher
billmoherforcongress.com

Economic growth, education reform, and border security

Jennifer McClellan*
jennifermcclellan.com

I propose increasing funding and support for veterinary education and training programs, particularly in rural and underserved areas, to expand the veterinary workforce. Additionally, we should provide incentives such as student loan forgiveness and grants to veterinarians who commit to working in high-need regions. Expanding telemedicine services for veterinary care and partnering with veterinary technicians also can help bridge the gap, ensuring that livestock managers have timely access to necessary treatments and medications. In Congress, I have actively promoted STEM workforce development and worked to diversify the field by supporting underrepresented groups. I will support HR4355, the bipartisan Rural Veterinary Workforce Act, should it come to the floor for a vote.

William (Bill) Moher
billmoherforcongress.com

I believe in less regulations overall. While I think it is important to take care in providing livestock medications, I trust farmers and ranchers with making their own decisions with what is best for their businesses and animals. I would support returning these drugs to over-the-counter status.

Jennifer McClellan*
jennifermcclellan.com

In March, the bipartisan Agricultural Labor Working Group (ALWG) from the House Committee on Agriculture released a report with several bipartisan policy recommendations to address the issues facing the H-2A program and the labor shortages across the industry. I support the majority of the policies laid out by the ALWG including, but not limited to: Single portal for filing H-2A applications; allowing H-2A employers to apply for staggered worker entry; streamlined recruiting and hiring for H-2A; expediting review of delayed H-2A applications; reducing housing costs of the H-2A program; and granting year-round industries access to H-2A workers.

William (Bill) Moher
billmoherforcongress.com

I think an important part of handing the immigration crisis is to make it easier for workers who want to follow the rules to be able to do so. I would like to make sure our agricultural interests get the labor they need. H-2A needs to be made efficient so we can provide labor, but also identify who is working in our country.

Jennifer McClellan*
jennifermcclellan.com

I believe the current federal income and estate tax systems can be challenging for family farmers, sometimes placing undue burdens on them. While the tax code does have some provisions to encourage success and investment, we need to do more to ensure it supports the preservation of farmland and encourages the next generation of farmers. I support reforms that provide tax relief for family farms and create incentives for sustainable agricultural practices and succession planning.

William (Bill) Moher
billmoherforcongress.com

I support reducing the tax burden of all Americans. As for farming, I would support tax incentives for family farmers to keep them in agriculture and help promote our nation’s food security. I also would support incentives for those who wish to pass a family farm onto their children without crippling inheritance taxes.

Jennifer McClellan*
jennifermcclellan.com

I support making decisions based on science to ensure farmers can access safe and effective products, while protecting public health and the environment. I believe we should ground our policies in sound science to balance agricultural needs with sustainable practices.

William (Bill) Moher
billmoherforcongress.com

As someone with a background in science (albeit computer science), I believe in all decisions being based on science and fact, not speculation and emotion. Science should be the 'end-all, be-all' arbiter of what products are available to farmers (and other industries for that matter).

Jennifer McClellan*
jennifermcclellan.com

The 2018 Farm Bill, among other things, included several key provisions that supported Virginia farmers, including continued support of crop insurance programs, which are critical for Virginia farmers facing unpredictable weather patterns and other risks. I was also encouraged that it sustained funding levels for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and the Conservation Reserve Program, both of which are critical to implementing conservation practices that improve soil, water and air quality on farmland, ultimately leading to better protection and water quality in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Finally, the 2018 bill removed hemp from the federal list of controlled substances, allowing Virginia farmers to grow and sell the plant as an agricultural commodity.

In the next farm bill, I look forward to supporting a package that bolsters support for commodity crop programs and helps farmers adopt climate-smart practices, which can improve resilience to changing weather patterns, leading to better yields. I am also particularly interested in ensuring the next farm bill includes more resources and incentives to help young and beginning farmers start and sustain farming operations. As Congress finalizes the next farm bill, I am committed to ensuring it incorporates provisions and funding levels that best support Virginia’s farmers.

William (Bill) Moher
billmoherforcongress.com

I agree with many of the points made in the AFBF policy statement found embedded in this VFB news article, especially the components on rural development, research and energy area.

John McGuire
mcguireva.com

I am seeking this position to be a voice for the American people in the 5th District. Virginia farmers are facing real issues such as increasing costs of H-2A visas and tax burdens. I plan to reduce constricting oversight on Americans, while preventing the Chinese from buying up American farmland. Agriculture is vital to not only my congressional district, but to the entire commonwealth. Our farmers must be represented and have a fighter in Congress.

Gloria Witt
gloriawittforcongress.com

Our rights and fundamental freedoms are under attack, and I want to use my voice to energize dissatisfied voters and build bridges to advance legislation for ‘we the people.’ I am an advocate for breaking down walls and building bridges to support a thriving community.

Born and raised in Amherst County, I am a country girl that values family, faith, education, justice and community building. I am qualified to represent the rural parts of the district because I grew up in rural America. Our family lived off the land, raising cattle, hogs and chickens, and raising gardens. This upbringing instilled the value of teamwork, discipline, resiliency and determination to succeed. I am a small business owner, community servant, mother and grandmother.

I have a passion for strengthening families and the importance of integrating business workforce needs, K-12 public education, and community college education to supply a workforce to promote business development. In addition, rural America continues to lag in gaining access to broadband connectivity, affordable housing and access to quality healthcare. Lastly, our farmers need supportive policies to ensure sustainability.

John McGuire
mcguireva.com

• Protect and advance the America first agenda. I plan to be a voice for Americans and ensure that policies passed at the federal level benefit American people.
• Reduce unnecessary oversight and regulations that place unwarranted burdens on Americans who are the backbone of this country.
• Ensure that our children and grandchildren inherit a county that provides them the opportunity to pursue the American dream.

Gloria Witt
gloriawittforcongress.com

Upholding democracy by safeguarding voting; providing accessible healthcare and lower drug costs and protecting the Affordable Care Act, Medicare and Medicaid; and spurring economic growth by strengthening pathways to workforce skill development, i.e. expanding CTE programs in K-12 education that promotes living wage jobs for graduates that are not going to college or enlisting in the military.

John McGuire
mcguireva.com

This is a prime example of government overreach impacting the daily lives of farmers across the commonwealth of Virginia. Not only does this prevent farmers from conducting business as they normally would, but assumes that livestock owners are not capable of caring for their animals. The first step to fixing this issue would be to limit the FDA’s control over pharmaceutical drugs intended for livestock.

Gloria Witt
gloriawittforcongress.com

Increase scholarships, grants and loan repayment programs for veterinary students, particularly those willing to work in underserved areas.

Advocate for policies to remove barriers to essential veterinary pharmaceuticals by partnering with pharmaceutical companies to streamline the distribution of medications and ensure availability in remote areas.

John McGuire
mcguireva.com

Virginia is home to almost 2 million acres of farmland and 8,620 farms, including grain producers, poultry and egg distributors, and many family-owned wineries and farms. Many of these farms function only because of the seasonal workers that the H-2A program provides to help bridge the employment gap after these jobs are offered to local workers. It is incredibly important that the H-2A program remains a viable and affordable option for farmowners, while keeping the cost of living down for domestic workers.

Gloria Witt
gloriawittforcongress.com

Fix the H-2A program by simplifying the rules, cutting costs and allowing flexible terms. Recruit and train locals and adjust wages to attract workers. Invest in workforce development by expanding agricultural education and creating internships.

John McGuire
mcguireva.com

I believe a lot of work needs to be done, especially in eliminating taxes that unfairly impact farmers such as estate taxes on agricultural businesses/land, and any tax on capital gains. In a world that has shifted to a 40-hour week, we should not be creating financial obstacles for those farmers who work seven days a week from sunrise to sunset.

Gloria Witt
gloriawittforcongress.com

The current tax system offers some benefits but is complex and burdensome for family farmers. Simplifying the tax code, increasing estate tax exemptions, and providing incentives for young farmers could better preserve farmland and encourage the next generation of farmers.

John McGuire
mcguireva.com

There is nothing more important than the product that farmers provide the masses of America: The safest, most abundant and affordable food supply. The EPA and USDA ensure, using scientifically backed methods, that the chemicals are safe. I am strongly against local and federal regulations that prohibit farmers from using FDA or USDA approved chemicals that allow them to produce at the rate that they do.

Gloria Witt
gloriawittforcongress.com

Yes, science-based decision-making is important when deciding which products should be available to farmers. It ensures that pesticides, herbicides and other crop protectants are both effective and safe for the environment, public health and food production. Relying on sound science helps farmers maintain productivity, implement conservation practices, and provide a safe, abundant and affordable food supply.

John McGuire
mcguireva.com

The most recent safety net features and price supports included in the 2018 Farm Bill extension are vital to ensuring that farmers are protected from natural disasters and inclement weather situations. In the next farm bill, I would like to see less federal oversight, reduced taxes on Americans that produce vital food and textiles, and ensure protections on farm loans and disaster assistance.

Gloria Witt
gloriawittforcongress.com

The 2018 Farm Bill helped Virginia farmers with expanded crop insurance, conservation funding and support for new farmers.

The bill also supports Virginia livestock farmers with disaster relief, animal health programs, conservation initiatives and market access. It provides financial assistance for losses from natural disasters, funds disease prevention, promotes sustainable farming practices and helps access new markets.

The next farm bill should continue supporting crop insurance, enhance conservation incentives, invest in rural development, support specialty crops, and provide more assistance for young and new farmers to ensure sustainable agriculture and rural prosperity. We need continued investment to improve rural infrastructure and broadband access and access to new markets both domestically and internationally.

Ben Cline*
bencline.com

I am seeking reelection to the House of Representatives to provide effective and responsive representation which reflects the values of the citizens of the 6th District and gives my constituents a voice in Washington.

Ken Mitchell
kenmitchellforvirginia.com

I am running to represent the people of the Shenandoah Valley as a legislator in Washington who will promote Main Street over Wall Street. People in rural communities are often left behind and do not have access to the same resources and public services as people in more urban or suburban settings. I want to work to make sure that the influence “Big Ag” has on Capitol Hill does not destroy family and privately owned farms and that the rich farmland in the Shenandoah Valley is protected from development through strategic growth planning.

Robert Wells
runwithrobby.com

Throughout my career, I have always had a burning desire to serve the people in my community. I believe that I possess leadership skills and abilities that have come from various life experiences that make me uniquely qualified to serve the citizens of the 6th District in Washington. Partisan politics has gotten us nowhere, with both parties promising to deliver change and results, but ultimately delivering nothing more than lip service.

Ben Cline*
bencline.com

• Alleviating the inflation crisis that is currently hurting so many families in the 6th District. Years of reckless spending and poor monetary policy have caused prices to soar, putting immense strain on the budgets of many Virginia business owners, farmers and households. It is imperative that Congress rein in spending and enact policies that will allow American workers and business owners to get our economy back on track.
• Providing effective, responsive and transparent representation. I have done this by holding over 50 public town hall meetings and using the concerns gathered directly from constituents to propose and influence legislation. My office also has responded to and resolved thousands of casework issues dealing with federal agencies.
• Expanding individual liberties by reducing the size of government. Core American principles like limited government and checks-and-balances have been eroded by a trend of legislative and executive authority being ceded to unelected federal bureaucrats. This has resulted in a government that is less accountable and responsive to the people.

Ken Mitchell
kenmitchellforvirginia.com

In Congress, I will work to promote investment in infrastructure that benefits rural communities, including expanding high-speed broadband, improving public transportation and ensuring that rural public schools have the resources they need to ensure all children have access to an equitable, high-quality education, no matter where they live. I want to make sure that people in rural areas have access to quality, affordable, comprehensive healthcare, including maternal care and mental health care, in their local communities or can easily access via telemedicine when appropriate. I will work to ensure that the Farm Bill benefits farmers in the Shenandoah Valley, not just Big Ag, in a way that allows farming families to earn a profitable living from farming, get fair prices for their products, and not have to work off the farm to make ends meet and raise their families. I will work to find solutions that address the causes of climate change and enact policies that help compensate for the negative impacts of climate change on the farming and agricultural industries.

Robert Wells
runwithrobby.com

1. Protecting our children from gun violence in schools. Robby Wells is 100% in support of our cherished Second Amendment rights. Robby is also 100% in support of protecting our students and taking care of our veterans. His solution to protect all three is called "Vets for Kids." His plan would employ half a million veterans as guardians to supplement school resource officers and college police. After rigorous screening and training—these veterans would serve as a barrier between our young people and those who would seek to do them harm. It is Robby's desire to see our schools once again become sanctuaries of learning, not targets for the mentally ill.
2. Unify our country and end divisive politics. Robby's agenda is entitled “Eaglenomics,” a plan that incorporates ideas championed by both major political parties—but generally fail to gain traction because of the divisiveness that currently haunts the halls of our nation’s capital. “Just as an eagle cannot fly without both wings working together, neither can our nation rise to meet its challenges,” said Wells, who promised that as an independent he will not be beholden to any party but will work in a bipartisan manner so that “both wings come together to serve the best interests of the citizens of the sixth congressional district".
3. Protecting our southern border. Robby knows that in order to protect our southern border, we must win with people—not things. Robby will propose legislation to double our border patrol without raising taxes, and has a plan to do just that. His plan also provides for a realistic pathway to citizenship for those who come to this country legally, seeking the American dream.

Ben Cline*
bencline.com

The push to move drugs to prescription from OTC for the purpose of combating against antimicrobial resistance is valiant. However, making this change while veterinarian shortages are prominent nationwide will undoubtedly place greater burdens on our farmers. I’m especially concerned with its impact on rural areas like the Shenandoah Valley. In an effort to address veterinarian shortages, I’ve supported full funding of the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program, which incentivizes students to go into veterinary medicine and to practice in rural areas.

Ken Mitchell
kenmitchellforvirginia.com

As the question points out, the FDA has made several formerly over-the-counter medications prescription. This includes drugs as simple as eye ointment. Previously, farmers have shown they are completely capable of administering many of these drugs, vaccines and other medications. There needs to be a commonsense approach, and some of these drugs and medications should be removed from prescription status. I support allowing experienced livestock managers to administer medicine previously available over the counter without a prescription as a way to ensure livestock health in the face of a shortage of veterinarians. Rural areas in particular are experiencing mass large animal vet retirements and are being left with few available vets that must travel long distances and weigh which farmer has an animal in the direst need. The veterinary community warned over 20 years ago that this was going to be a problem. I believe we need to find ways to incentivize people to become veterinarians and strengthen programs that reward serving in rural communities. Vet school is expensive and a program such as loan forgiveness for veterinarians willing to commit to a specific time period (likely a 10-year time frame) to commit to work in rural areas on large animals upon degree completion. Offer other incentives to work in rural areas. Supporting specialized coursework at the graduate level focusing on large animals and the rural environment are just some possible considerations.

Robert Wells
runwithrobby.com

While there is not a one-size-fits-all solution in this area, I would work to tackle this issue on several fronts.

1. Work with the FDA to comprise a committee to work directly between the farmers, Congress and the FDA to take under advisement a schedule of drugs to see which ones truly belong on a Rx basis, and which ones should remain over the counter. This would ensure that farmers truly have a voice at the table, and have the ability to push for reforms.
2. Provide a tax credit to recent graduates of veterinary science programs to relocate to areas that may be lacking in veterinarian care.
3. During the COVID-19 pandemic we saw the rise of virtual health appointments. While we certainly do not expect a bovine to be able to tell the doctor where it hurts, we also have to trust that farmers are experts on their livestock and have a reasonable knowledge based on the various viruses and diseases as well as other health issues that may arise.

Bottom line, we need to trust farmers as they care for their animals.

Ben Cline*
bencline.com

Many of the producers in the 6th District rely on migrant visas to meet the labor demands of their operations. I have, and will continue to, support an efficient and effective visa system that allows producers to meet these demands as well as programs which train domestic workers in the skills sought after by agriculture sector employers.

Ken Mitchell
kenmitchellforvirginia.com

New regulations are being added to the H-2A visa program in order to protect H-2A guest worker visa holders from abuse, including human trafficking, unsafe transportation, unfair wages and wage theft, and retaliation when they attempt to assert their rights under the law. We have to find a way to provide the workers the industry needs when they are needed, while at the same time ensuring that workers are not exploited, maltreated or that their legal rights are not violated. I support the provisions of the Farmworker Protection Rule and legislation and regulations and programs like Legal Aid that inform H-2A visa holders of their rights and assist them to file complaints for relief under the law when their employer is not complying with the provisions and mandates of the H2-A program. There is also an area that is often not spoken about with regard to many farm workers. Many farms rely on immigrant labor, some of which have become very skilled. Many of these people are not in the U.S. legally but have been here for many years. Some farmers have quietly voiced that they would be willing to support citizenship for some of these people if they have a clean record and consistent work history. This is a topic that should be brought before the farm community and their feedback given and heard. We have seen where illegal immigrants deported in mass and without prior notification negatively impacted many farmers, especially crop growers whose produce end up rotting in the fields because they can't find local people willing to take over that work. The H-2A program will relieve some of that, but farmers themselves, as previously mentioned, have come to rely on many trusted yet illegal aliens, primarily from Central and South America. I would want to hear from the farmers and food processors themselves how they would like to see this handled.

Robert Wells
runwithrobby.com

Under my plan to address immigration, those seeking the American dream would be able to come into the United States and earn a wage for four years, learning the English language and our way of life. Once that four years is completed, they would become naturalized citizens. In the short term, Congress needs to partner with the Department of Labor to ease the restrictions that are now in place for those seeking work under H-2A. These departments have become too bureaucratic, and less regulation increases productivity for our farmers, which then means that our farmers do better financially. America relies heavily on our farmers and their crops.

Ben Cline*
bencline.com

American farmers are overtaxed. High taxes on labor and equipment increase operating costs and create a barrier to growing an agriculture business. Passing on the tradition of farming to the next generation can already pose a challenge, estate or “death taxes” only make this more difficult and threaten the ability to maintain agriculture businesses and farmland from one generation to the next. I support the repeal of the federal estate tax.

Ken Mitchell
kenmitchellforvirginia.com

The 2024 estate tax filing threshold is $13,610,000. Based on a 2024 USDA report, the average per acre value for pastureland was $5,090/acre; for cropland was $5,930/acre; and general farm real estate $5,850/acre. This means that the estate filing requirements for pastureland do not apply for properties smaller than 2,673 acres; to cropland properties under 2,295 acres; or to general farm real estate properties under 2,326 acres. The USDA reports that the average size of a farm in Virginia is 187 acres and farms owned by families or individual farmers comprise 85% of the farms operated in the commonwealth. I would be interested to better understand the impact of the estate tax on family farms in Virginia to be able to develop a more informed opinion on this topic. However, many farmers in Virginia are compelled to work off the farm in order to make ends meet. This indicates to me that the cost of farming is too high or that farmers are not being equitably compensated for their products. I would be interested in reviewing the tax code to see if there are areas that are unfairly targeting farmers and how these can be changed. I would work to increase funding for the American Farmland Trust to aid young people wishing to buy farms and farmland but are finding themselves outcompeted by developers. This would also help secure farmland for future generations.

Robert Wells
runwithrobby.com

The current tax code puts millions of Americans at a disadvantage, not just farmers. I personally would advocate for legislation that would move farmers away from an income tax altogether, moving to a revenue neutral vat tax. Income averaging is certainly one aspect that I think does treat farmers in an equitable manner, along with like kind exchanges. However, recent changes have limited this to real property, I would like to see that provision done away with. Overall, I would say the tax code as it stands does encourage entrepreneurship, but the entire code needs an overhaul.

Ben Cline*
bencline.com

A healthy environment is critical to America’s agriculture production, no one knows this better than farmers. I trust that the farmers who are working our land and are most reliant on its health are more qualified to determine the best methods to care for it than bureaucrats and politicians in Washington. Regulators absolutely should not be using anti-science decision making when determining how farmers should be applying crop protectants.

Ken Mitchell
kenmitchellforvirginia.com

I support science-based decision making and I believe climate change and environmental concerns, like crop and livestock protectant chemicals, are science-based. Farmers should have access to the tools and products they need to ensure their crops and products are protected from pests and crop/livestock killing diseases. Increasingly, farmers face insults from accidentally introduced and non-native species with their co-evolved pathogens moving into areas they previously could not inhabit due to an inhospitable climate. Many of these organisms have no predators and pose real risks to both domestic livestock and crops. However, there does need to be a balance between farmers’ use of pesticides and herbicides and impacts and potential negative results that could occur if and when carried by the wind or water onto a neighboring farm or a local water supply. From my perspective, this is a more nuanced issue than just whether a chemical is EPA approved and that other factors beyond the benefit to a single farm or industry must be considered.

Robert Wells
runwithrobby.com

Yes. I believe that farmers are absolutely capable of trusting the science to use what they deem best. I will stand for a farmer's right to farm their land ethically, honestly and scientifically, and reduce the role of big government in their decision making.

Ben Cline*
bencline.com

I believe the 2018 Farm Bill made important refinements to the farm safety net including strengthening the federal crop insurance program to continue to give agricultural producers the peace of mind that they need in tough times. Additionally, the bill improved upon conservation policy giving farmers more manageable goals regarding environmental stewardship. I hope to see similar policies in the new farm bill, as well as supportive language for animal health programs.

Ken Mitchell
kenmitchellforvirginia.com

I am pleased that the farm bill includes $6 billion for conservation and provides voluntary incentives for farmers that address climate change, wildlife preservation, and the adoption of measures that promote healthy farming practices and cleaner water. I would like to extend the farm bill’s programs to improve our water quality and supply and maintain sustainable forestry practices. I also would like to see restrictions on subsidies to massive agricultural conglomerates and redistribute the subsidies for the benefit of family and privately owned farms, large and small, who need the financial assistance more. Increasing our commitment to rural development is also critical. We must prioritize investing in infrastructure in rural areas, including rural broadband; expanding rural transportation systems; enabling telemedicine in areas with lower access to healthcare facilities; and doing all we can to connect rural farmers with a larger and more lucrative market (including local markets) for their products.

Robert Wells
runwithrobby.com

There were several provisions of the 2018 Farm Bill that I think were beneficial to Virginia farmers:

1. Industrialized hemp can be used for a vast variety of products, allowing Virginia farmers to expand into new markets, raising their profitability.
2. Support for new farmers: Just with any industry, there must be new generations ready and capable to pick up the mantle. That could not be more true within the farming community. While many farms are passed down from generation to generation, the success of our country literally depends on being able to access crops locally. Encouraging our young people to get into the industry protects our food source and other good sources for years to come.

Derrick Anderson
derrickanderson.com

I was devastated by the botched withdrawal in Afghanistan. I lost five of my soldiers in Afghanistan and to see the 20 years of sacrifices made by our service members, their families and our allies thrown away due to a political decision by Joe Biden. I decided that I was going to stop yelling at the TV and do something about it. The 7th District—from the farms to the suburbs—is my home; it’s the place that raised me. I grew up working in my mother’s local restaurants and businesses, graduated from Courtland High School, went to Virginia Tech, and became the first person in my family to graduate from college. After serving my country as a U.S. Army Special Forces Green Beret on multiple deployments, including Iraq and Afghanistan. I went to Georgetown Law, graduated, and clerked for two federal judges. It would be an honor to serve my home, the 7th District.

Eugene Vindman
vindmanforcongress.com

As an immigrant, I’m grateful to this country for accepting me and my family. We came with several suitcases and less than $800. Out of an intense sense of gratitude and patriotism, I served in the U.S. Army for 25 years. My family’s story is the embodiment of the American dream, and I believe every family should have the same access to the American dream that my family did.

Serving my community in Congress continues my service to this country that I completed in uniform. I want to ensure that effective legislators are in office to enact meaningful change while protecting our democratic institutions. The government needs to work more efficiently—the farm bill has already been delayed by a year, and timely updates are necessary to adequately address the issues facing farmers.

Derrick Anderson
derrickanderson.com

• Reduce the cost of living and protect our local businesses—from farms to restaurants to manufacturing. The average Virginia family is paying $1,100 more to live right now. Costs are too high, and I will work to reduce spending so we can drive costs down. Look at how the inflation crisis affects farms: costs for inputs like diesel have gone up and it’s hurting our ag sector.
• Support our veterans. I will stand up for our veterans to guarantee they receive the quality of care and benefits they deserve. Virginia’s 7th District is home to a future VA super-clinic, Quantico, and thousands of veterans and their families.
• Secure the border. I spend a good deal of time discussing issues that our local sheriffs and police chiefs and their deputies/officers face daily. It is truly disheartening to see how the border crisis has impacted my home district, whether it be the deadly flow of fentanyl, human trafficking, or the massive amount of time our law enforcement officers spend dealing with crimes committed by people that are not legally permitted to be in the U.S.

Eugene Vindman
vindmanforcongress.com

1. Growing our economy, to ensure that every family can access the American dream
2. Protect and expand our freedoms, including being able to provide a livelihood for their family in the place they call home
3. Invest in infrastructure improvements across the region, from our transportation networks to our health care systems including adapting high-tech and bio-tech for agricultural production

Derrick Anderson
derrickanderson.com

I am very interested in learning more about this issue, but this seems to be a clear-cut case of government regulation making life harder for hardworking people on the ground. I would encourage farmers to ensure proper drug use, enabling them to manage their own needs independently. Additionally, investing in community outreach to attract veterinarians to rural areas would be beneficial. And finally, making sure that students who want to become vets have the tools to do so. I believe that Virginia Tech, my alma mater, is the only vet school in Virginia and Maryland, and I would advocate for more vet schools in the area.

Eugene Vindman
vindmanforcongress.com

Veterinarians should be encouraged and incentivized to practice in rural communities after graduating from school, which would help to address service deserts. Telehealth reform, especially in rural areas, can also help to fill service gaps. Livestock managers should be able to acquire critical medicines to care for their livestock and protect their livelihoods. Safe prescriptions should be available over the counter.

Derrick Anderson
derrickanderson.com

To address the critical labor shortage in agriculture, I believe we could do a few things:

1. Reform the H-2A program: Streamline application processes and reduce regulatory burdens to make it easier and more cost-effective for farmers to access seasonal labor.
2. Support domestic workforce development: Invest in training programs and incentives to attract and retain domestic workers in the agriculture sector.
3. Enhance labor flexibility: Advocate for policies that allow for more flexible work arrangements and support technology adoption to improve labor efficiency.

Eugene Vindman
vindmanforcongress.com

Labor shortages continue to be a greater issue to the agriculture industry, and the H-2A program is one of many vital programs to fixing labor shortages for the industry. I would support different program pathways that encourage the next generation of farmers and ag exports, as well as promote ag labor training early on. Comprehensive immigration reform should secure our border and create a stable, predictable workforce for agriculture.

Derrick Anderson
derrickanderson.com

The current federal income and estate tax systems present challenges for our farmers. To improve fairness and encourage success in agriculture I believe we could:

1. Increase estate tax exemptions: Raise exemptions to reduce the tax burden on family farms during generational transfers, helping to preserve farmland.
2. Enhance tax incentives: Provide targeted tax incentives for investments in agricultural improvements and sustainable practices.
3. Simplify tax regulations: Streamline tax compliance requirements to reduce the administrative burden on farmers.

Eugene Vindman
vindmanforcongress.com

More must be done to make the tax system fairer for family farmers, rather than providing breaks for the largest farming operations and companies. One way of reforming this can be a more robust tax credit scheme that increases the financial viability of small and beginning farming operations and rewards the growers and producers who work to support the nation’s food supply in climate-friendly and sustainable ways. Estate tax exclusions should be in place to exclude small and medium family farms.

Derrick Anderson
derrickanderson.com

I support science-based decision making for determining the availability of crop protectants. It is crucial that policies governing pesticides, herbicides and fungicides are grounded in scientific research to ensure they are effective and safe. And I know how government regulations are making it harder for our farms to survive. I’ll make sure that farmers’ voices are heard loud and clear during any regulatory process.

Eugene Vindman
vindmanforcongress.com

Yes, absolutely. Farmers should be able to acquire safe, science-based products that protect their crops and lead to a more secure and abundant food supply. As such, USDA and EPA reform is needed to expedite and increase transparency in the product R&D and approval process, ensuring product safety while also promoting innovation.

Derrick Anderson
derrickanderson.com

The 2018 Farm Bill provided valuable support to Virginia farmers through strong crop insurance programs, conservation initiatives and disaster assistance. For the next farm bill, I would focus on:

1. Strengthening crop insurance: Expand and enhance crop insurance options to protect farmers against market fluctuations and natural disasters.
2. Promoting free market solutions: Encourage innovative approaches to conservation and efficiency without excessive regulation.
3. Supporting rural infrastructure: Increase investment in rural infrastructure to boost agricultural productivity and market access.

Eugene Vindman
vindmanforcongress.com

An increase in farm credit/loan limits and other efforts to reduce the financial barrier of entry and regular maintenance costs for farmers; more robust and properly funded rural development programs; and meaningful work to reform a history of discriminatory policies that hurt farmers from underrepresented and minority backgrounds. I would like to see expanded efforts of the above in the upcoming farm bill, in addition to initiatives to boost domestic agriculture and level the playing field in global agriculture and commodity markets. In Congress, where I aim to serve on the Ag committee, I will work across the aisle to pass a Farm Bill.

Donald Beyer, Jr*
friendsofdonbeyer.com

No Response

Bentley Hensel
henselforcongress.com

I’m seeking this position because I’m tired of leaders who talk more than they act. Our district and our country deserve a representative who is committed to solving real problems with practical, data-driven solutions. I believe in transparency, accountability and using technology to make government work better for everyone. It’s time for a fresh approach that moves beyond the old political games and focuses on delivering results that actually make a difference in people’s lives.

David Kennedy
davekennedy2024.com

I am running as a grassroots independent because people are weary of the two monstrous parties—and their media counterparts—aalways forcing us to choose sides. The end-product is divisiveness and winning at the expense of the other. As an independent working from the center and outwards, I believe this can unite us into a space where the great majority of Americans want to be—a space where the bread and butter, quality of life issues are priority number one.

Donald Beyer, Jr*
friendsofdonbeyer.com

No Response

Bentley Hensel
henselforcongress.com

1. Transparency and accountability: Implement real-time campaign contributions and government spending disclosure to restore trust in our political system.
2. Technological innovation: Modernize government systems to improve efficiency, cybersecurity and public access to services, ensuring our government works smarter and more effectively.
3. Environmental protection: Advocate for robust policies that protect our natural resources and address the urgent challenges of climate change, ensuring a sustainable future for all.

David Kennedy
davekennedy2024.com

I am a quality-of-life candidate who will fight for:

1. Safe streets and opportunities for at-risk youth;
2. The dignity of a job, embodied in economic security;
3. A woman's right to choose; and
4. Empowering teachers, parents and libraries. And I support our military. My two sons served in the U.S. Army and my oldest did two tours in Iraq. It’s our duty to lift our veterans as they face the challenges of returning home, and we need to be advocates for all who are disenfranchised. If elected, or not, to the U.S. Congress, my fight will always be for justice and an even better America.

Donald Beyer, Jr*
friendsofdonbeyer.com

No Response

Bentley Hensel
henselforcongress.com

1. Expand veterinary education and training: Increase funding for veterinary schools and create incentives, such as scholarships and loan forgiveness programs, for students who commit to working in underserved rural areas. This will help address the shortage by encouraging more students to pursue careers in veterinary medicine and practice in areas where they are most needed.
2. Telemedicine and mobile veterinary services: Promote and support the use of telemedicine for veterinary care, allowing vets to diagnose and prescribe treatments remotely. Additionally, incentivize mobile veterinary services that can travel to rural and underserved areas, providing on-the-ground care and prescriptions where access is limited.
3. Pharmacy access flexibility: Advocate for policies that allow certain trained and certified livestock managers to access critical over-the-counter medications without a prescription, especially in areas facing acute vet shortages. This could include a certification process for livestock managers to ensure they have the knowledge to use these medications safely and appropriately, balancing the need for access with the importance of responsible antibiotic use.

David Kennedy
davekennedy2024.com

There is lots of talk these days about student loan forgiveness. While I don't support a blanket policy that covers all student loans, I do support forgiveness for those who enter fields where there is a shortage of professionals. I would advocate for vets to be eligible for student loan forgiveness. As to the FDA decision, while I am not intimate with the basis for their decision, I would work with the Farm Bureau and other advocacy groups to challenge that decision.

Donald Beyer, Jr*
friendsofdonbeyer.com

No Response

Bentley Hensel
henselforcongress.com

1. Reform and streamline the H-2A program: Simplify and streamline the H-2A program to reduce regulatory burdens and costs for farmers while ensuring that workers are treated fairly. This could include modernizing the application process, reducing bureaucratic red tape, and providing more flexibility in how and when workers can be hired to meet seasonal demands.
2. Incentivize domestic agricultural labor: Develop programs that encourage domestic workers to take up agricultural jobs, such as offering tax incentives, wage subsidies, or other benefits for workers willing to engage in agricultural labor. This could also include targeted training programs to equip domestic workers with the skills needed for modern agricultural work.
3. Adjust the Adverse Effect Wage Rate: Work with stakeholders (NOT CORPORATE FARMS) to review and potentially adjust the AEWR to better reflect regional economic conditions and the specific needs of the agricultural industry. This would help ensure that wages are competitive, attracting more workers while keeping costs manageable for farmers.
4. Promote automation and innovation: Invest in research and development for agricultural technology that can help alleviate labor shortages by automating certain tasks. This would reduce the dependency on manual labor while maintaining or increasing productivity.

David Kennedy
davekennedy2024.com

This should be addressed in immigration reform. In those areas where there is a labor shortage, and those jobs can be filled by qualified immigrants, we need to make sure that those workers have access to burden-free H-2A visa status.

Donald Beyer, Jr*
friendsofdonbeyer.com

No Response

Bentley Hensel
henselforcongress.com

The current federal income and estate tax systems place significant burdens on family farmers, making it challenging for them to thrive or pass their farms on to the next generation. The tax code, as it stands, often benefits large corporate interests that are buying up family farms, undermining the legacy and sustainability of family-owned agriculture.

Having grown up with a family pecan farm in Louisiana, I understand firsthand the struggles family farmers face. My grandfather’s stories of the agricultural collapse in the 1980s remind me how crucial it is to protect these vital businesses. The tax code should encourage success, savings and entrepreneurship, but instead it often penalizes small family farms.

To preserve farmland and encourage the next generation of farmers, I would advocate for reforms that:

1. Increase estate tax exemptions for family farms: Adjust the estate tax to ensure that family farms can be passed down without crippling tax burdens. This would help keep farms in the family rather than forcing sales to large corporate entities.
2. Create incentives for family-to-family farm sales: Develop tax incentives for family farms to sell to other family-run operations rather than to corporate interests, preserving the tradition of family-owned agriculture.
3. Implement tax credits for young farmers: Introduce tax credits for young or new farmers to encourage them to enter the industry and maintain the agricultural legacy.
4. Limit corporate farm expansion: Consider tax penalties or regulations that discourage large corporations from monopolizing farmland, ensuring that small, family-owned farms have a fair chance to compete and succeed.

David Kennedy
davekennedy2024.com

Tax policy applicable to family farmers is complex, including the estate tax and how it impacts passing the family farm to the next generation. I would be open to working with experts from the Farm Bureau and other advocacy groups to simplify the tax code as it applies to family farms AND helps ensure that there are incentives to pass the family farm to the next generation.

Donald Beyer, Jr*
friendsofdonbeyer.com

No Response

Bentley Hensel
henselforcongress.com

Yes, I strongly support science-based decision making when determining which products should be available to farmers. As a senior data engineer, I understand the importance of data-driven decisions, and I believe that both the EPA and pesticide companies need to significantly improve their transparency and the availability of open data. I remember attending a pecan meeting with my grandfather, Ben Littlepage, where a chemist discussed how they tested Roundup on pecan trees and found no pesticide residue in the nuts. But where is that data today? Such transparency is critical for farmers to make informed decisions. My grandfather also developed an incredibly accurate pecan crop prediction model, but when he passed, much of that knowledge was lost, and crop yields haven’t been predicted as accurately since. We need more accessible, high-quality data that any farmer can use without needing to be a data scientist. This data should be open and transparent, allowing farmers to make the best decisions for their crops and the environment. Moreover, we must stop attacking innovative companies like DJI, which provide agricultural drones that help family farms reduce costs and improve efficiency. Innovation and practical, science-based solutions are key to ensuring that our farmers can produce safe, abundant, and affordable food while also implementing effective conservation practices.

David Kennedy
davekennedy2024.com

Yes, science-based decision making is necessary when deciding those products that should be available to farmers.

Donald Beyer, Jr*
friendsofdonbeyer.com

No Response

Bentley Hensel
henselforcongress.com

The 2018 Farm Bill provided crucial support to Virginia farmers through various programs that promoted conservation, crop insurance and rural development.

1. Conservation programs: The bill strengthened programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), which help Virginia farmers implement conservation practices that protect the environment while maintaining productivity.
2. Crop insurance: The continuation and expansion of crop insurance programs provided a safety net for farmers facing unpredictable weather and market conditions. This is particularly important in Virginia, where diverse agricultural production can be vulnerable to environmental changes.
3. Support for local and organic farming: The 2018 Farm Bill increased funding for local food systems and organic farming, supporting Virginia’s small and specialty crop producers, who are vital to the state’s agricultural diversity.

For the next farm bill, I’d like to see:

1. Expanded access to technology and innovation: Increasing support for programs that help farmers adopt new technologies, such as precision agriculture and agricultural drones, which can increase efficiency and reduce costs.
2. Strengthened support for family farms: Policies that provide more robust support for family-owned farms, including easier access to credit, technical assistance, and programs that help these farms stay competitive against large corporate interests.
3. Improved data transparency and access: Mandating better transparency and access to data from both government and private sources. Farmers should have access to reliable, user-friendly data that helps them make informed decisions without needing to be data scientists.
4. Climate resilience: Expanding programs that help farmers adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change, ensuring that they can continue to produce food sustainably in the face of increasing environmental challenges.

The next farm bill should focus on equipping Virginia farmers with the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly changing agricultural landscape, ensuring their continued success and contribution to the commonwealth’s economy.

David Kennedy
davekennedy2024.com

We have way too much hunger both in our country, as well as at the international level. In fact, climate change has created a devastating food shortage in southern Africa and food aid is desperately needed in that part of the world. The farm bill needs to have provisions to support a robust SNAP program as well as other provisions that will support family farmers and incentive food production for food aid across the entire world.

Morgan Griffith*
morgangriffithforcongress.com

No Response

Karen Baker
bakerforva9th.com

The 9th District is the most rural in Virginia and among the very most rural in all of Appalachia. Farming is a primary economic driver, and most of our farms are small family farms. Preservation of our land, air and water depends primarily on preservation of our farms. I am driven by this fact, and all of my platform reflects this. We need broadband and cell service (still lacking throughout the district), we need better healthcare, and we need jobs to support the traditional small farming model of at least one family member working outside the farm. We need agricultural policy that supports family farming. I wholeheartedly will work for family farms (and the small local businesses they allow to thrive as well).

Morgan Griffith*
morgangriffithforcongress.com

No Response

Karen Baker
bakerforva9th.com

Access to quality, affordable decentralized healthcare is my first issue. We have a monopoly in part of the district, Ballad Health, which was created by Virginia and Tennessee six years ago and does not support that goal. Southwestern Virginia is marked by maternity deserts that are well-known and drive decisions by young families to leave the area; quality healthcare will help stem the drain of our younger generation (and help legacy family farms continue to thrive).

Secondly, we need job development in the 9th, and expanded tech and trade education in our schools will serve that. I want to develop more than an exposure to tech and trade—instead competency that will allow the next generation to stay here and thrive. Our bona fides as a destination for new business is assisted by a well-trained generation of students.

As said above, these two policies help to support family farms, my third priority. Our small farmers need access to markets without third-party requirements that drain profits—such requires up-to-date technology (how do you market effectively lacking cell service and broadband?) and USDA assistance for small local abattoirs that will allow small producers the certification they need to market directly. Development of regional co-ops will also assist small farmers to stay in farming.

Morgan Griffith*
morgangriffithforcongress.com

No Response

Karen Baker
bakerforva9th.com

SWVA has two veterinarian schools (one in the district and one nearby). Access to veterinarians is not an issue—there are two graduating classes yearly, residents who require large-animal training are in excellent supply. Extended broadband would help our small farmers access telehealth for needed intervention, as well. A history of overuse of antibiotics is not so much of a problem in our district, given our gifts of water and grass; our cattle, lambs and pigs are not maintained in the feedlot environment that supports disease transmission. However, the concept of curbing overuse of antibiotics is one that I actually support.

Morgan Griffith*
morgangriffithforcongress.com

No Response

Karen Baker
bakerforva9th.com

Many farms all over the United States use undocumented labor, which entails risks for both farmer and worker. We need comprehensive immigration reform that will allow immigrants who are willing and able to become farmworkers to legally enter the country and do so. A path to citizenship for farmworkers who are vetted and directed to farms that will employ them and maintain legal records (while looking to reduce the overall paperwork burden) during a probationary period within the country is something that should be explored.

Morgan Griffith*
morgangriffithforcongress.com

No Response

Karen Baker
bakerforva9th.com

The current estate tax exemption of roughly $12 million is sufficient for small family farms to avoid taxation upon transfer to the next generation. Large farm operators that I have spoken with say that they manage the estate tax issue through their lawyers and accountants. Maintaining constancy in estate tax matters, as well as income tax regulations, is what counts so that decisions can rely on the law year to year. Dollar-for-dollar tax credits to help small farmers become more energy-efficient and find substitutes for expensive fossil fuel based fertilizers will help keep the next generation of farmers on the farm.

Morgan Griffith*
morgangriffithforcongress.com

No Response

Karen Baker
bakerforva9th.com

Of course I support science-based decision making, always! I also support research into alternatives to fossil fuel-based fertilizers, such as bio-char, to reduce costs for small farmers. We need robust research on how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, on best practices for conservation, on the effect of soil carbon sequestration, and improved nutrient cycling. The more exploration of best practices, for any crop, at any size farm, is a good thing.

Morgan Griffith*
morgangriffithforcongress.com

No Response

Karen Baker
bakerforva9th.com

Changing the computation for the Thrifty Food Plan to only account for inflation, rather than updates based on food prices, consumer data and dietary standards as well (as the House version of the bill, but not the Senate one will do) will result, eventually, in the loss of two days of benefits each month. This is unacceptable. Also, I am concerned that changing the emphasis from fresh foods to frozen, canned and dried foods being eligible for SNAP may further reduce the income that specialty farmers can expect from the program. I am all for the Senate bill's farm conservation efforts, and innovation grants, which include mitigation of GHG emissions. I do wish there were increases in program set-asides for new farmers (because we desperately need new farmers). Strong measures to reduce anticompetitive practices in the livestock and poultry sectors are needed. The Senate bill promotes local food market development by eliminating match requirements that were in the 2018 program and that is a good thing. I would like to see a permanent local food purchase assistance program, robustly funded, to help local farmers scale their business to larger wholesale markets (the funding level of $200 million is woefully insufficient). I want more emphasis on small meat and poultry operator's entry into federal-based procurement. In fact, the entire bill is too directed toward support of the largest industrial commodity operations, rather than the family farms that should be the backbone of sustainable agriculture. Large producers who are experiencing record profits should not be receiving increased subsidies. Finally, efforts to reintroduce and champion extreme farm animal confinement (gestation crates), barring states from legislating humane practices, should not be a part of this bill. The House measure, billed as a means to help small farmers, is exactly the opposite—an inhumane practices favored by megafactory farms.

Mike Clancy
mikeclancyforcongress.com

No Response

Suhas Subramanyam
suhasforvirginia.com

No Response

Mike Clancy
mikeclancyforcongress.com

No Response

Suhas Subramanyam
suhasforvirginia.com

No Response

Mike Clancy
mikeclancyforcongress.com

No Response

Suhas Subramanyam
suhasforvirginia.com

There is no question that we need to ensure that any policy we require of farmers is one that they can actually comply with, and we must work to make it easier to pay for a veterinary education and incentivize in places of need.

Mike Clancy
mikeclancyforcongress.com

No Response

Suhas Subramanyam
suhasforvirginia.com

We need to fundamentally reform our immigration system in this country, that starts with securing our borders so we can know who enters and fixing our broken asylum system. But it also means a path to citizenship for millions of Americans in the shadows which would expand the workforce and also us to move to a more rational process.

Mike Clancy
mikeclancyforcongress.com

No Response

Suhas Subramanyam
suhasforvirginia.com

The estate tax currently has broad exemptions and do not kick in for the overwhelming majority of family farmers, and I would always support policy that ensures this is the case.

Mike Clancy
mikeclancyforcongress.com

No Response

Suhas Subramanyam
suhasforvirginia.com

There is no question science should be the driving force.

Mike Clancy
mikeclancyforcongress.com

No Response

Suhas Subramanyam
suhasforvirginia.com

First and foremost, we need to actually pass a farm bill and not let partisan gamesmanship break up the decades long agreement that the bill will help farmers and the food insecure. We also need to do more to ensure that farmers’ goods are being promoted abroad and not dragged into trade wars.

Gerald “Gerry” Connolly*
gerryconnolly.com

No Response

Mike L. Van Meter
vanmeterforvirginia.com

No Response