VTC staff are hard at work preparing for the upcoming short session (45 days) of the General Assembly. In the past few years, several legislative attempts have been made in Virginia which threaten the turfgrass industry. Specifically, individual product targeting, applicator safety, pollinator health, storage tank requirements, and application methods have been the subject of recurring legislation in Richmond. Thanks to the diligent work of the VTC and our partner organizations, we have been able to prevent these bills from becoming law. We have also been fortunate to update and enhance applicator certifications, and we commend VDACS for their hard work updating these important safety measures for our applicators.

However, the political climate in Richmond is ever-changing. Redistricting has resulted in more competitive maps for legislative races and unprecedented turnover in both chambers’ membership, leading to a more frequent exchange of power in the House and Senate; our one-term Governorship will change hands again next year; and regulatory agencies are seeing historic turnover in personnel. The uncertainty created by rapidly changing political dynamics should be front of mind for industry professionals and leaders, and it is certainly a priority for VTC.

VTC works closely with elected officials, regulators, partner organizations, and our members to ensure our industry is adequately represented in Richmond. Each year, we spend an entire day at the Capitol distributing small bags of grass seed to legislators and their staff, reminding them of the environmental benefits of turfgrass. This is made possible through the generosity of our members and is widely regarded among legislators as one of their favorite annual visits.

Also on the lobbying front, Beck Stanley has joined VTC as its contract lobbyist. Stanley managed political campaigns and spent four years with the Virginia Agribusiness Council, served as an elected official in his early twenties, and now operates Rural Results Public Affairs, where he advocates for agriculture and economic development clients. He can be reached via cell at 540-871-9001.