Virginia is geographically diverse in its land-scape, climate and agricultural regions. Agricultural commodities and forest products are produced in every country in the state—from major commodities like livestock and field grains to fresh fruits and vegetables and hundreds of specialty crops like clams and mushrooms.Williamsburg was the capital of the Virginia colony from 1699 to

1780, and early settlers grew crops and raised animals for food, practices that are demonstrated by re-enactors in the area. The city, together with Jamestown and Yorktown, form the “Historic Triangle.” Williamsburg is located on the Virginia Peninsula, in the northern part of Hampton Roads, and bordered by James City and York counties.The area is becoming more and more urbanized, but it is still

home to more than 100 farms. Its rich, sandy soils are good for growing grains and fruits and vegetables, including sweet potatoes, squash, sweet corn, tomatoes, cantaloupes, pumpkins and watermelons. A small number of producers also raise beef cattle, dairy cows, hogs and chickens.Conditions also are good for growing

grapes. Williamsburg Winery, one of the state’s largest vineyards and wineries, is located in James City County. Additionally, the greenhouse and nursery business is on the rise in nearby York County, which also is one of five Virginia localities in which collard greens are grown commercially.

Virginia Farm Bureau Federation®

2017 ANNUAL CONVENTION FACT SHEETThe Patriot Room vafb.com/convention

What? Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s 92nd Annual Convention

Where? The Williamsburg Lodge

When? Nov. 28-30, 2017

Why? To establish legislative policy for the 2018 General Assembly session; to elect directors; to honor award winners and share in the fellowship of Farm Bureau.

Who? With 127,000 members in 88 county Farm Bureaus, the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation is Virginia’s largest farmers’ advocacy group. Farm Bureau is a non-governmental, nonpartisan organization committed to supporting Virginia’s agriculture industry and preserving the Virginia way of life.

Ag and forestry contribute $91 billion annually to the state’s

economy!

Agriculture on the Virginia Peninsula

RUSSELL

SMYTH

WYTHE

PULASKI

MONTGOMERY

FRANKLIN

FLOYD

BOTETOURT

BEDFORD

CAMPBELL

AMHERST

ROCKBRIDGE

GREENE

FLUVANNA

PRINCE EDWARD

APPOMATTOX

POWHATAN

AMELIA

LUNENBURG

CHESTERFIELD

HENRICO

RICHMOND

ESSEX

MIDDLESEX

WESTMORELAND

KINGGEORGE

CAROLINE

HANOVER KINGWILLIAM

LANCASTER

DINWIDDIE

SUSSEX

SURRY

YORK

JAMESCITYCHARLES

CITY

NEW KENT

GLOUCESTER

NORT

HAM

PTO

N

PRINCEGEORGE

VIRGINIABEACH

ISLE OFWIGHT

NOTTOWAY

CHARLOTTE

CUM

BERL

AND

LOUISA

SPOTSYLVANIAORANGE

CULPEPER

RAPPA-HANNOCK

WARREN

PAGE

FAUQUIERFAIRFAX

ARLINGTON

STAFFORD

PRINCEWILLIAM

MADISON

GOOCHLAND

ALBEMARLE

BUCKINGHAM

CHESAPEAKE

NEWPORTNEWS

SUFFOLKSOUTHAMPTON

GREENSVILLE

BRUNSWICK

MECKLENBURG

HALIFAX

PITTSYLVANIA

HENRYPATRICKCARROLL

GRAYSON

WASHINGTONSCOTTLEE

WISE

DICKENSON

BUCHANAN

TAZEWELL BLAND

GILES

CRAIG

ALLEGHANY

BATH

HIGHLAND

AUGUSTA

NELSON

ROCKINGHAM

SHENANDOAH

FREDERICKCLARKE

LOUDOUN

MATHEWS

HAMPTON

YORK

ROANOKE

NORTH-UMBERLAND

KING AND QUEEN

More than 400,000 Virginians rely on the agriculture and forestry industries for their livelihoods.

VFBF policies help protect the

state’s largest industry.

TUESDAY, NOV. 2811:30 a.m.: The opening luncheon will feature keynote speaker Tyne Morgan, host of U.S. Farm Report, the longest- running syndicated television program focusing on agriculture, rural issues and a country lifestyle. VFBF Journalism Awards will be presented afterward.

1:30 p.m.: Educational conference on what to look for when approached to lease land for cell towers, solar energy panels and other structures, Lessons Learned on Leases – Solar, Cellular and Others, presented by attorney Mark Botkin. Additionally, Cannabis Production – Are There Value-added Crop Opportunities? will address that subject.

Virginia Farm Bureau Federation® 2017 ANNUAL CONVENTION FACT SHEET

FOR MORE INFORMATIONVisit our convention newsroom: vafb.com/convention

or call Greg Hicks, vice president of communications, at 804-290-1139.

H I G H L I G H T S O F T H E 2 0 1 7 C O N V E N T I O N

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 299 a.m.: VFBF President Wayne F. Pryor will report on the progress of the state’s largest farm organization.

Noon: Thomas Jefferson, former president of the United States, will speak on what life was like during his time.

2 p.m.: Scott VanderWal, vice president of the American Farm Bureau Federation, will speak to those attending the general session. County Farm Bureau delegates will begin finalizing Farm Bureau’s 2018 legislative agenda.

THURSDAY, NOV. 307 a.m.: Vance Crowe, director of millennial engagement for Monsanto will share how the company is working to connect with consumers.

8:30 a.m.: During the concluding general session, delegates will vote on policies and elect five directors.