Griffith Supports Expansion of Agribusiness in Virginia

Press Release

Morgan Griffith, the Republican candidate for the Ninth Congressional seat, says agriculture is a major employer in southwest Virginia, and we have to expand the global markets for more of our products.

"By doing so, agribusiness will continue to thrive," he said during a stop Saturday at the Carroll County Fair at the Southwest Virginia Farmer's Market. "If elected, I will push state and federal agencies to do a better job in marketing both our agricultural and forest products to the world. We have a lot to offer, and we can provide others something that will spur the economy here in our area."

But it does not stop there, the candidate said.

"We also need to review all federal regulations to ensure they don't affect the industry," said Griffith. "I will work to strengthen protection of personal property rights."

Griffith also points to events like the Carroll Fair being so important to showcase southwest Virginia's role in agriculture, "I salute the organizers for such an outstanding weekend."

The candidate and his family enjoyed a day at the fair, and his two young boys seemed to really enjoy the fair's annual tractor pull. "Community fairs are important for youngsters of all ages as they can really learn where the food they eat really comes from--it's not just a grocery store."

The Republican also took the opportunity to express his support for a bill sponsored by U.S. Rep. Bob Goodlatte to improve the conditions of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

"I agree with Goodlatte and Rep. Randy Forbes that H.R. 5509, the Chesapeake Bay Program Reauthorization and Improvement Act, takes a more reasonable approach than a proposed U.S. Senate bill. It will strike a balance that protects our farmers while defending our environment," said Griffith.

"The Goodlatte bill avoids some of the federal mandates that would affect both farmers and local governments that are included in the Senate bill."

Criticism to the Senate bill centers around the reduction of runoff into waterways. Many farmers have said they could not implement many of the original regulations without being drastically affected financially. "We do not need to force farmers to spend more money during a tough economy. Instead, we need to be doing things to help them," Griffith said.

H.R. 5509 would use existing federal programs to help farmers expand the use of nutrient management plans on their land; better coordinate the collection and analysis of the bay's environmental health; and continue to encourage voluntary farm programs instead of federal mandates.

Griffith had been scheduled to attend a forum in Washington County on Monday to discuss agribusiness, but the event has been cancelled.

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