dcrodriguez/Code-of-Virginia huggingface dataset:
Code of Virginia — Title 3.2 (Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food), Chapter 26 (AQUACULTURE ADVISORY BOARD)
§ 3.2-2600. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Aquaculture" means the propagation, rearing, enhancement, and harvest of aquatic organisms in controlled or selected environments, conducted in marine, estuarine, brackish, or fresh water.

"Aquaculture facility" means any land, structure, or other appurtenance that is used for aquaculture, including any laboratory, hatchery, pond, raceway, pen, cage, incubator, or other equipment used in aquaculture.

"Aquatic organism" means any species or hybrid of aquatic animal or plant, including fish, shellfish, marine fish, and marine organisms as those terms are defined by § 28.2-100.

1992, c. 643, § 3.1-73.6; 2008, c. 860.

Code of Virginia — Title 3.2 (Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food), Chapter 26 (AQUACULTURE ADVISORY BOARD)
§ 3.2-2601. Powers and duties of Commissioner.
The Commissioner shall have the following powers and duties:

1. To provide information and assistance in obtaining permits relating to aquacultural activities;

2. To promote aquaculture including encouraging investment in aquaculture facilities to expand production, processing capacity, and marketing;

3. To work with appropriate state and federal agencies to review, develop, and implement policies and procedures to facilitate aquacultural development;

4. To consult with and assist aquaculture industry groups, aquaculture associations, and academic institutions to develop, maintain, and expand the aquaculture industry; and

5. To develop, support, and implement policies beneficial to Virginia aquaculture.

1992, c. 643, § 3.1-73.7; 2001, c. 320; 2008, c. 860.

Code of Virginia — Title 3.2 (Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food), Chapter 26 (AQUACULTURE ADVISORY BOARD)
§ 3.2-2602. Aquaculture Advisory Board; composition and appointment of members.
A. The Aquaculture Advisory Board is established as an advisory board in the executive branch of state government. The Aquaculture Advisory Board shall advise the Commissioner on policy matters related to aquaculture.

B. The Governor shall appoint the Aquaculture Advisory Board, which shall be composed of seven members who are representative of the interests of the aquaculture industry.

The Board shall meet at the call of the Commissioner.

1992, c. 643, § 3.1-73.8; 2008, c. 860.

Code of Virginia — Title 3.2 (Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food), Chapter 26 (AQUACULTURE ADVISORY BOARD)
§ 3.2-2603. Aquaculture Advisory Board membership terms; compensation.
A. The terms for appointments to the Aquaculture Advisory Board shall be for four years. Appointments to fill vacancies shall be for the unexpired term.

B. Members of the Aquaculture Advisory Board shall receive no compensation for their services but shall receive reimbursement for actual expenses.

1992, c. 643, § 3.1-73.8; 2008, c. 860; 2022, cc. 576, 577.
Code of Virginia — Title 3.2 (Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food), Chapter 27 (Marine Products Board)
§ 3.2-2700. Marine Products Board; composition and appointment of members.
A. The Marine Products Board is established within the Department.

B. The Marine Products Board shall consist of 11 members appointed by the Governor from among those persons who earn their livelihood from the seafood industry. One member of the Marine Products Board shall be involved in the Virginia menhaden fishery.

1979, c. 274, §§ 28.1-230, 28.1-231, 28.1-237; 1980, c. 712; 1984, cc. 265, 750; 1985, c. 448; 1992, c. 836, § 3.1-684.59; 2008, c. 860.

Code of Virginia — Title 3.2 (Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food), Chapter 27 (Marine Products Board)
§ 3.2-2701. Marine Products Board membership terms.
The terms for appointments to the Marine Products Board shall be for four years. No member shall be eligible for appointment to more than two consecutive terms. Appointments to fill vacancies, other than by expiration of a term, shall be for the unexpired terms and made in the same manner as the original appointments.

1979, c. 274, §§ 28.1-230, 28.1-231, 28.1-237; 1980, c. 712; 1984, cc. 265, 750; 1985, c. 448; 1992, c. 836, § 3.1-684.59; 2008, c. 860; 2022, cc. 576, 577.

Code of Virginia — Title 3.2 (Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food), Chapter 27 (Marine Products Board)
§ 3.2-2702. Marine Products Board officers and compensation.
A. The Marine Products Board shall elect one of its members as chairman, whose term shall be three years or until his successor is elected, and such other officers as deemed appropriate.

B. The Marine Products Board may appoint an executive secretary and employees as may be necessary at salaries to be fixed by the Marine Products Board, subject to the provisions of Chapter 29 (§ 2.2-2900 et seq.) of Title 2.2.

1979, c. 274, §§ 28.1-230, 28.1-231, 28.1-237; 1980, c. 712; 1984, cc. 265, 750; 1985, c. 448; 1992, c. 836, § 3.1-684.59; 2008, c. 860.

Code of Virginia — Title 3.2 (Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food), Chapter 27 (Marine Products Board)
§ 3.2-2703. Compensation; expenses; principal office; place of meetings.
A. The members of the Marine Products Board shall serve without compensation, but shall be eligible for reimbursement for actual expenses incurred in attending meetings of the Marine Products Board.

B. The Marine Products Board's office shall be located in Tidewater Virginia, and meetings shall be held in seafood-producing areas of the Commonwealth.

1979, c. 274, § 28.1-232; 1992, c. 836, § 3.1-684.60; 2008, c. 860.
Code of Virginia — Title 3.2 (Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food), Chapter 27 (Marine Products Board)
§ 3.2-2704. Powers and duties of the Marine Products Board.
A. The Marine Products Board shall: (i) plan and conduct marketing, educational, and promotional campaigns and programs for Virginia marine products; (ii) carry on research and testing programs; and (iii) conduct activities relating to the catching, processing, conservation, and marketing of Virginia marine products.

B. The Marine Products Board may investigate, study, and formulate recommendations regarding regulation, conservation, and management of marine resources of the Commonwealth.

C. The Marine Products Board may make contracts and expend money from the Virginia Marine Products Fund necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter. The contracts, debts, and liabilities of the Marine Products Board shall not be an obligation of the Commonwealth, but shall be met utilizing the sums paid into the Virginia Marine Products Fund.

D. The Marine Products Board may cooperate with other state, regional, and national seafood organizations in research, advertising, publicity, education, and other means of promoting the sale and use of seafood, and may expend moneys of the Virginia Marine Products Fund for such purposes.

1979, c. 274, §§ 28.1-234 to 28.1-236; 1992, c. 836, §§ 3.1-684.61, 3.1-684.62, 3.1-684.64; 2008, c. 860.

Code of Virginia — Title 3.2 (Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food), Chapter 27 (Marine Products Board)
§ 3.2-2705. Virginia Marine Products Fund established.
There is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Virginia Marine Products Fund, hereinafter referred to as "the Fund." The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. All moneys collected and allocated from marine fisheries license fees required under Subtitle II (§ 28.2-200 et seq.) of Title 28.2 shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund. Interest earned on moneys in the Fund shall remain in the Fund and be credited to it. Any moneys remaining in the Fund, including interest thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund.

Moneys in the Fund shall be administered by the Marine Products Board and used exclusively for the administration of this chapter, including payment for personal services and expenses of employees and agents of the Marine Products Board, rent, services, materials and supplies.

Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the Marine Products Board on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written request signed by the duly authorized officer of the Marine Products Board.

The Auditor of Public Accounts shall audit all the accounts of the Marine Products Board as provided in § 30-133.

1979, c. 274, §§ 28.1-233, 28.1-238, 28.1-239; 1986, c. 344; 1992, c. 836, § 3.1-684.63; 2008, c. 860.
Code of Virginia — Title 3.2 (Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food), Chapter 28 (PLANT POLLINATION FUND)
§ 3.2-2800. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Beekeeper" means any person who keeps and manages bees for profit, and shall include those growers who keep bees for pollinating crops.

"Cross pollination" means the transfer of pollen from the anthers of blossoms to the stigmas of other blossoms of the same crops or a variety of the same crop.

"Pollination contractor" means any person who contracts to supply a means of cross pollinating the blossoms of any specified plant.

"Producer" means any person engaged in the business of raising crops that benefit from cross pollination by honeybees or other pollinating insects.

1977, c. 452, § 3.1-610.23; 2008, c. 860; 2011, cc. 594, 681.

Code of Virginia — Title 3.2 (Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food), Chapter 28 (PLANT POLLINATION FUND)
§ 3.2-2801. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 2011, cc. 594 and 681, cl. 2.

Code of Virginia — Title 3.2 (Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food), Chapter 28 (PLANT POLLINATION FUND)
§ 3.2-2805. Powers and duties of Commissioner.
The Commissioner shall have the following powers and duties:

1. To receive and dispense funds;

2. To develop and administer a beekeeper assistance program that is designed to assist Virginia beekeepers in maintaining healthy, productive colonies;

3. To enter into contracts for the purpose of developing new or improved markets or marketing methods for bees and bee products and pollination services;

4. To contract for scientific research services and to contract to develop improved pollinating behavior in honeybees and other pollinating insects;

5. To contract for rearing numbers of improved queen bees sufficient for distribution or sale to beekeepers;

6. To enter into agreements with any local, state or national organization or agency engaged in education for the purpose of disseminating information on pollinators and pollination of crops;

7. To rent or purchase office and laboratory space and land as necessary to carry out its duties;

8. To appoint employees, full- or part-time, and to fix their compensation, if any, in accord with the provisions of the Virginia Personnel Act, (§ 2.2-2900 et seq.);

9. To encourage research, education, methods of improvement in apicultural practices, and promotion projects and the award of funds for such projects as deemed necessary or advisable to accomplish the objectives set forth in this chapter; and

10. To report to the Board in the manner and at such times as the Board may prescribe, regarding the receipt and expenditure of funds. The Commissioner shall ensure that funds made available to the Plant Pollination Fund are expended only for the purposes authorized by this chapter.

1977, c. 452, §§ 3.1-610.25, 3.1-610.26:1; 1978, c. 267; 1992, c. 121; 2004, c. 201; 2008, c. 860; 2011, cc. 594, 681.
Code of Virginia — Title 3.2 (Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food), Chapter 28 (PLANT POLLINATION FUND)
§ 3.2-2806. Plant Pollination Fund established.
There is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Plant Pollination Fund, hereafter referred to as "the Fund." The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. All moneys derived from appropriations from the general fund of the state treasury, grants of private or government money designated for specified activities authorized pursuant to this chapter; fees for services rendered pursuant to this chapter; payment for products, equipment, or material or any other thing supplied by the Commissioner; payment for educational publications, materials or supplies provided by the Commissioner; and grants, bequests and donations shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund. All funds collected for or received by the Commissioner shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund. Interest earned on moneys in the Fund shall remain in the Fund and be credited to it. Any moneys remaining in the Fund, including interest thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund. The Commissioner is further authorized to accept materials, supplies, property, land and personal services contributed from any source. Moneys in the Fund shall be used solely for the administration of this chapter. Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the Commissioner on warrants issued by the Comptroller.

1977, c. 452, § 3.1-610.27; 1978, c. 267; 2008, c. 860; 2011, cc. 594, 681.

Code of Virginia — Title 3.2 (Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food), Chapter 28 (PLANT POLLINATION FUND)
§ 3.2-2807. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 2011, cc. 594 and 681, cl. 2.
Code of Virginia — Title 3.2 (Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food), Chapter 29 (AGRICULTURAL COUNCIL)
§ 3.2-2900. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Farmers" shall include all producers of agricultural products such as cotton, tobacco, peanuts, soybeans, potatoes, vegetables, fruits, livestock, livestock products, poultry and turkeys, any other agricultural products having domestic and foreign markets, and all nursery, horticultural, or floricultural products.

Code 1950, § 3-16.7; 1966, c. 536, § 3.1-22.3; 1968, c. 85; 2008, c. 860.

Code of Virginia — Title 3.2 (Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food), Chapter 29 (AGRICULTURAL COUNCIL)
§ 3.2-2901. Agricultural Council; composition and appointment of members.
The Agricultural Council is continued within the executive branch of state government. The Agricultural Council shall consist of 18 members to be appointed by the Governor. Insofar as practical, 15 members shall be actively engaged in farming and shall be primarily engaged in the production of a different agricultural commodity. The Commissioner, the dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and the Associate Vice President for Agriculture and Extension of Virginia State University shall serve as members ex officio.

Code 1950, § 3-16.8; 1966, c. 536, § 3.1-22.4; 1979, c. 69; 1984, c. 734; 1985, cc. 146, 448; 1992, c. 121; 2004, c. 650; 2008, c. 860.

Code of Virginia — Title 3.2 (Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food), Chapter 29 (AGRICULTURAL COUNCIL)
§ 3.2-2902. Agricultural Council membership terms.
All appointments to the Agricultural Council shall be for a term of four years. No member of the Agricultural Council, except any ex officio member, shall be eligible to serve more than two consecutive terms, except that any person appointed to fill a vacancy may serve two additional consecutive terms after the term of such vacancy that such person was appointed to fill has expired. Any vacancy in the membership of the Agricultural Council shall be filled by the Governor for the unexpired term.

Code 1950, § 3-16.8; 1966, c. 536, § 3.1-22.4; 1979, c. 69; 1984, c. 734; 1985, cc. 146, 448; 1992, c. 121; 2004, c. 650; 2008, c. 860; 2025, cc. 75, 88.

Code of Virginia — Title 3.2 (Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food), Chapter 29 (AGRICULTURAL COUNCIL)
§ 3.2-2903. Agricultural Council officers and compensation.
A. The Agricultural Council shall elect from its membership a chairman, vice-chairman, and such other officers as it deems appropriate.

B. Members of the Agricultural Council shall be paid their necessary traveling expenses incurred in connection with the performance of their duties. Such compensation and expenses shall be paid from the Virginia Agricultural Foundation Fund.

Code 1950, § 3-16.8; 1966, c. 536, § 3.1-22.4; 1979, c. 69; 1984, c. 734; 1985, cc. 146, 448; 1992, c. 121; 2004, c. 650; 2008, c. 860.
Code of Virginia — Title 3.2 (Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food), Chapter 29 (AGRICULTURAL COUNCIL)
§ 3.2-2904. Powers and duties of the Agricultural Council.
A. The Agricultural Council shall have charge of the management and expenditure of the Virginia Agricultural Foundation Fund. The Agricultural Council may expend funds to provide for programs of agricultural research and education and agricultural services; manage the fund so as to accumulate a reserve for contingencies; establish an office and employ such technical, professional, and other assistants as may be required, subject to the provisions of the Virginia Personnel Act (§ 2.2-2900 et seq.); contract for research and other services; and take all such measures as will assist in strengthening and promoting the best interests of agriculture in the Commonwealth.

B. The chairman shall submit an annual report to the members, the Governor, and the General Assembly on or before November 1 of each year. The report shall contain the annual financial statements of the Agricultural Council for the year ending the preceding June 30.

Code 1950, § 3-16.8; 1966, c. 536, § 3.1-22.4; 1979, c. 69; 1984, c. 734; 1985, cc. 146, 448; 1992, c. 121; 2004, c. 650; 2008, c. 860.

Code of Virginia — Title 3.2 (Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food), Chapter 29 (AGRICULTURAL COUNCIL)
§ 3.2-2905. Virginia Agricultural Foundation Fund established.
There is hereby established in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be designated as the Virginia Agricultural Foundation Fund, hereafter referred to as "the Fund." The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. All transfers made to the Fund under §§ 3.2-3617, 3.2-3710, 3.2-4004, 3.2-4814, 58.1-2259, and 58.1-2289, other moneys appropriated thereto, gifts and grants, and interest accruing thereon shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund. Interest earned on moneys in the Fund shall remain in the Fund and be credited to it. Any moneys remaining in the Fund, including interest thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund. The Fund shall be expended in accordance with the directions of the Agricultural Council and drawn from the state treasury in the manner provided by law.

Code 1950, § 3-16.9; 1966, c. 536, § 3.1-22.5; 1970, c. 457; 1976, c. 91; 1994, cc. 577, 649, 740, 743; 2008, c. 860.
Code of Virginia — Title 3.2 (Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food), Chapter 3 (Right to Farm)
§ 3.2-300. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Agricultural operation" means any operation devoted to the bona fide production of crops, animals, or fowl, including the production of fruits and vegetables of all kinds, meat, dairy, and poultry products, nuts, tobacco, nursery, and floral products and the production and harvest of products from silviculture activity. "Agricultural operation" also includes any operation devoted to the housing of livestock as defined in § 3.2-6500.

"Production agriculture and silviculture" means the bona fide production or harvesting of agricultural or silvicultural products but does not include the processing of agricultural or silvicultural products or the above ground application or storage of sewage sludge.

1981, c. 384, §§ 3.1-22.28, 3.1-22.29; 1991, c. 293; 1994, c. 779; 2007, c. 444; 2008, c. 860; 2022, c. 487.

Code of Virginia — Title 3.2 (Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food), Chapter 3 (Right to Farm)
§ 3.2-301. Right to farm; restrictive ordinances.
In order to limit the circumstances under which agricultural operations may be deemed to be a nuisance, especially when nonagricultural land uses are initiated near existing agricultural operations, no locality shall adopt any ordinance that requires that a special exception or special use permit be obtained for any production agriculture or silviculture activity in an area that is zoned as an agricultural district or classification. Localities may adopt setback requirements, minimum area requirements, and other requirements that apply to land on which agriculture and silviculture activity is occurring within the locality that is zoned as an agricultural district or classification. No locality shall enact zoning ordinances that would unreasonably restrict or regulate farm structures or farming and forestry practices in an agricultural district or classification unless such restrictions bear a relationship to the health, safety, and general welfare of its citizens. This section shall become effective on April 1, 1995, and from and after that date all land zoned to an agricultural district or classification shall be in conformity with this section.

1981, c. 384, § 3.1-22.28; 1991, c. 293; 1994, c. 779; 2007, c. 444; 2008, c. 860; 2014, c. 246.
Code of Virginia — Title 3.2 (Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food), Chapter 3.1 (GOVERNOR'S AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY INDUSTRIES DEVELOPMENT FUND)
§ 3.2-305. Guidelines and criteria for awarding grants from Fund.
The Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, in consultation with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and the Virginia Department of Forestry, shall assist the Governor in developing objective guidelines and criteria that shall be used in awarding grants from the Fund. The guidelines may include a requirement for the affected localities to provide matching funds, which may be cash or in-kind, at the discretion of the Governor. The guidelines may require that as a condition of receiving any grant incentive that is based on employment goals, a recipient company must provide copies of employer quarterly payroll reports provided to the Virginia Employment Commission to verify the employment status of any position included in the employment goal. The guidelines and criteria shall include provisions for geographic diversity, a requirement that a project purchase a minimum percentage of Virginia-grown or Virginia-produced agricultural or forestal products to which its processes are adding value, and a cap on the amount of funds to be provided to any individual project.

2012, cc. 466, 622; 2013, c. 547.
Code of Virginia — Title 3.2 (Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food), Chapter 3.1 (GOVERNOR'S AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY INDUSTRIES DEVELOPMENT FUND)
§ 3.2-307. Copy of proposed contract to be submitted to the Attorney General.
Notwithstanding any provision in this chapter or in the guidelines established pursuant to § 3.2-305, prior to executing any such contract with a business beneficiary, the political subdivision shall provide a copy of the proposed contract to the Attorney General. The Attorney General shall review the proposed contract (i) for enforceability as to its provisions and (ii) to ensure that it is in appropriate legal form. The Attorney General shall provide any written suggestions to the political subdivision within seven days of his receipt of the copy of the contract. The Attorney General's suggestions shall be limited to the enforceability of the contract's provisions and the legal form of the contract.

2012, cc. 466, 622.

Code of Virginia — Title 3.2 (Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food), Chapter 3.1 (GOVERNOR'S AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY INDUSTRIES DEVELOPMENT FUND)
§ 3.2-308. Disposition of award by locality.
Notwithstanding any provision in this chapter or in the guidelines established pursuant to § 3.2-305, a political subdivision shall not expend, distribute, pledge, use as security, or otherwise use any award from the Fund unless and until such contract is executed with the business beneficiary.

2012, cc. 466, 622.

Code of Virginia — Title 3.2 (Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food), Chapter 3.1 (GOVERNOR'S AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY INDUSTRIES DEVELOPMENT FUND)
§ 3.2-309. Report submitted to chairmen of legislative committees.
Within the 30 days immediately following June 30 and December 30 of each year, the Governor shall provide a report to the Chairmen of the House Committees on Appropriations and Finance and the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations which shall include the following information regarding each grant or loan awarded from the Fund during the immediately preceding six-month period for economic development projects: the name of the company that is the business beneficiary of the grant and the type of business in which it engages; the location (county, city, or town) of the project; the amount of the grant committed from the Fund and the amount of all other funds committed by the Commonwealth from other sources and the purpose for which such grants or other funds will be used; the amount of all moneys or funds agreed to be provided by political subdivisions and the purposes for which they will be used; the number of new jobs projected to be created by the business beneficiary; the amount of investment in the project agreed to be made by the business beneficiary; the minimum purchase agreed to be made of Virginia-grown agricultural and forestal products; projected impact on agricultural and forestal producers; the timetable for the completion of the project and new jobs created; the prevailing average wage; and the average wage (excluding fringe benefits) projected to be paid in the new jobs.

2012, cc. 466, 622.
Code of Virginia — Title 3.2 (Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food), Chapter 3.1 (GOVERNOR'S AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY INDUSTRIES DEVELOPMENT FUND)
§ 3.2-310. Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Planning Grant Program.
A. The Governor may award grants from the Fund for the Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Planning Grant Program to encourage efforts by political subdivisions to support agriculture and forestry.

B. Any funds awarded by the Governor pursuant to this section shall be awarded as reimbursable grants to political subdivisions.

C. The Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry shall develop guidelines for the Planning Grant Program and administer the Program on behalf of the Governor. Such guidelines shall (i) include a requirement that any political subdivision applying for a grant provide matching funds and (ii) state the criteria the Governor will use in evaluating any grant application submitted pursuant to this section. Such guidelines may (a) allow contributions to a project by certain specified entities, such as a nonprofit organization or charitable foundation, to count as eligible local matching funds and (b) accept a reduced match requirement for an economically distressed locality applying for an award.

2020, c. 1220; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 185.
Code of Virginia — Title 3.2 (Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food), Chapter 3.1 (GOVERNOR'S AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY INDUSTRIES DEVELOPMENT FUND)
§ 3.2-311. Local Food and Farming Infrastructure Grant Program.
A. The Governor may award grants from the Fund for the Local Food and Farming Infrastructure Grant Program to encourage efforts by political subdivisions to support agriculture and forestry.

B. Any funds awarded by the Governor pursuant to this section shall be awarded as reimbursable grants of no more than $50,000 per grant to political subdivisions to support community infrastructure development projects that support local food production and sustainable agriculture.

C. The Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry shall develop guidelines for the Local Grant Program and administer the Local Grant Program on behalf of the Governor. Such guidelines shall (i) include a requirement that any political subdivision applying for a grant provide matching funds, (ii) require that grants be awarded on a competitive basis, and (iii) state the criteria the Governor will use in evaluating any grant application submitted pursuant to this section. Such guidelines shall favor projects that establish or maintain (a) farmers markets pursuant to Chapter 35 (§ 3.2-3500 et seq.); (b) food hubs; or (c) processing facilities that are primarily locally owned, including commercial kitchens, packaging and labeling facilities, animal slaughtering facilities, or other facilities, and that are primarily utilized for the processing of meats, dairy products, produce, or other products. Such guidelines shall favor projects that create infrastructure in proximity to small-scale agricultural producers.

D. The guidelines developed pursuant to subsection C may (i) allow contributions to a project by certain specified entities, such as a nonprofit organization or charitable foundation, to count as eligible local matching funds and (ii) accept a reduced match requirement for an economically distressed locality applying for an award.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 185; 2022, c. 287.
Code of Virginia — Title 3.2 (Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food), Chapter 3.1 (GOVERNOR'S AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY INDUSTRIES DEVELOPMENT FUND)
§ 3.2-312. Blue Catfish Processing, Flash Freezing, and Infrastructure Grant Program.
A. The Governor may award grants from the Fund for the Blue Catfish Processing, Flash Freezing, and Infrastructure Grant Program to encourage efforts by political subdivisions to support the processing, flash freezing, and infrastructure of invasive blue catfish species.

B. Any funds awarded by the Governor pursuant to this section shall be awarded as reimbursable grants of no more than $250,000 per grant to political subdivisions to support blue catfish processing, flash freezing, and infrastructure projects.

C. The Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry shall develop guidelines for the Blue Catfish Processing, Flash Freezing, and Infrastructure Grant Program and administer the Blue Catfish Processing, Flash Freezing, and Infrastructure Grant Program on behalf of the Governor. Such guidelines shall (i) require that grants be awarded on a competitive basis, (ii) state the criteria the Governor will use in evaluating any grant application submitted pursuant to this section, and (iii) favor projects that create processing, flash freezing, and infrastructure capacity in proximity to small-scale blue catfish watermen.

D. The guidelines developed pursuant to subsection C may allow contributions to a project by certain specified entities, such as a nonprofit organization or charitable foundation.

2023, cc. 133, 134.
Code of Virginia — Title 3.2 (Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food), Chapter 30 (WINE BOARD)
§ 3.2-3000. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Enology" means those practices and that body of knowledge involved in the production, aging, storing, and packaging of wine.

"Farm winery" or "winery" means an "establishment" as defined in § 4.1-100.

"Grape grower" means a commercial grower who: (i) sells at least $10,000 worth of grapes annually; or (ii) has planted and maintains at least three acres of vines of a type used for the production of wine.

"Viticulture" means the cultivation and study of grapes and grapevines.

"Wine" means an alcoholic beverage as defined in § 4.1-100.

"Winegrower" means any person or entity producing wine from approved products grown by that individual.

2004, cc. 89, 319, § 3.1-1064.1; 2008, c. 860.

Code of Virginia — Title 3.2 (Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food), Chapter 30 (WINE BOARD)
§ 3.2-3001. Wine Board; purpose; composition and appointment of members; quorum; meetings.
A. The Wine Board is established within the Department. The purpose of the Wine Board is to foster the development of the Virginia wine industry by expanding viticulture and enological research, increasing education, and promoting the production of grapes and wine in the Commonwealth.

B. The Wine Board shall consist of 10 members, nine of whom shall be voting nonlegislative citizen members, to be appointed by the Governor, and the tenth shall be the Commissioner, who shall serve as a nonvoting ex officio member. Nonlegislative citizen members shall be citizens of the Commonwealth and shall be either grape growers or owners or operators of a winery or farm winery in the Commonwealth. The Governor shall make his appointments upon consideration of the recommendations made by any grape grower, an owner or operator of a winery or farm winery, or the following agricultural organizations or their successor organizations: the Virginia Wineries Association, Inc.; the Virginia Vineyards Association, Inc.; the Virginia Farm Bureau; and the Virginia Agribusiness Council. Each entity or person shall submit two or more recommendations for each available position at least 90 days before the expiration of the member's term for which the recommendation is being provided. If said entities or persons fail to provide the nominations at least 90 days before the expiration date pursuant to this section, the Governor may appoint other nominees that meet the foregoing criteria.

C. A majority of the members of the Wine Board shall constitute a quorum, but a two-thirds vote of the members present shall be required for passage of items taken up by the Wine Board. The Wine Board shall meet at least four times each year. The meetings of the Wine Board shall be held at the call of the chairman or whenever the majority of the members so request.

2004, cc. 89, 319, §§ 3.1-1064.2, 3.1-1064.3; 2008, c. 860; 2011, cc. 691, 714.
Code of Virginia — Title 3.2 (Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food), Chapter 30 (WINE BOARD)
§ 3.2-3002. Wine Board membership terms; vacancies.
Initial appointments of nonlegislative citizen members to the Wine Board shall be staggered as follows: six nonlegislative citizen members shall be owners or operators of wineries or farm wineries in Virginia, two of whom shall serve for terms of three years, two shall serve for terms of two years, and two shall serve a term of one year; and three nonlegislative citizen members shall be grape growers with no controlling financial interest in a winery or farm winery, one of whom shall serve a term of three years, one shall serve a term of two years, and one shall serve a term of one year. Thereafter, nonlegislative citizen members shall be appointed for a term of four years. The Commissioner shall serve a term coincident with his term of office. Appointments to fill vacancies, other than by expiration of a term, shall be for the unexpired terms. All members may be reappointed. No nonlegislative citizen member shall serve more than two consecutive four-year terms. The remainder of any term to which a member is appointed to fill a vacancy shall not constitute a term in determining the member's eligibility for reappointment. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments.

2004, cc. 89, 319, § 3.1-1064.3; 2008, c. 860.

Code of Virginia — Title 3.2 (Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food), Chapter 30 (WINE BOARD)
§ 3.2-3003. Wine Board officers and compensation.
A. The Wine Board shall elect a chairman and other officers as deemed necessary from among its membership.

B. Members of the Wine Board shall receive no compensation for the discharge of their duties but the nonlegislative citizen members shall be reimbursed for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the discharge of their duties as provided in §§ 2.2-2813 and 2.2-2825. Funding for expenses of the nonlegislative citizen members shall be provided from the Virginia Wine Promotion Fund established under § 3.2-3005.

2004, cc. 89, 319, § 3.1-1064.3; 2008, c. 860.
Code of Virginia — Title 3.2 (Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food), Chapter 30 (WINE BOARD)
§ 3.2-3004. Powers and duties of the Wine Board.
The Wine Board shall have the following powers and duties:

1. To receive and dispense funds or donations from the Virginia Wine Promotion Fund;

2. To enter into contracts for the purpose of developing new or improved markets or marketing methods for wine and grape products;

3. To contract for research services to improve viticulture and enological practices in Virginia;

4. To enter into agreements with any local, state, or national organization or agency engaged in education for the purpose of disseminating information on wine or other viticulture projects;

5. To enter into contracts with private or public entities for the purpose of developing marketing, advertising and other promotional programs designed to promote the orderly growth of Virginia's wine industry;

6. To rent or purchase office and laboratory space, land, equipment, and supplies as necessary to carry out its duties;

7. To employ such personnel as may be required to carry out those duties conferred by law;

8. To acquire any licenses or permits necessary for the performance of the powers and duties of the Wine Board;

9. To cooperate with other state, regional, national, and international organizations in research, education, and promotion of the growing of grapes and the production of wine in the Commonwealth and to expend moneys from the Fund for such purposes;

10. To adopt a general statement of policy and procedures; and

11. To receive from the Chairman of the Wine Board an annual report, including a statement of total receipts and disbursements for the year, and file a copy of such report with the Commissioner.

2004, cc. 89, 319, § 3.1-1064.5; 2008, c. 860.
Code of Virginia — Title 3.2 (Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food), Chapter 30 (WINE BOARD)
§ 3.2-3005. Virginia Wine Promotion Fund established.
A. There is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Virginia Wine Promotion Fund, hereafter referred to as "the Fund." The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. The Fund shall consist of all moneys appropriated to it by the General Assembly, grants of private or government funds designated for specified activities authorized pursuant to this chapter, fees for services rendered pursuant to this chapter, payments for products, equipment, or material or other goods supplied. All moneys shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund. Interest earned on moneys in the Fund shall remain in the Fund and be credited to it. Any moneys remaining in the Fund, including interest thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund. Moneys in the Fund shall be used solely for the purposes of carrying out the provisions of this chapter. Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the State Treasurer on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written request signed by the duly authorized officer of the Wine Board.

B. The Wine Board shall meet and evaluate proposals from applicants for funding from the Fund. The Wine Board's final recommendations shall be made by recorded vote. Not less than one-third of the funding allocated by the Wine Board annually, excluding revenue-producing activities engaged in pursuant to § 3.2-3006, shall be expended for projects that advance viticulture and enological research concerning the growing of grapes and the production of wine in Virginia.

C. The Auditor of Public Accounts shall audit all accounts as provided in § 30-133.

2004, cc. 89, 319, § 3.1-1064.6; 2008, c. 860.

Code of Virginia — Title 3.2 (Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food), Chapter 30 (WINE BOARD)
§ 3.2-3006. Revenue-producing activities of the Wine Board.
To help defray the costs of its program, the Wine Board may: (i) publish materials with printed advertisements; (ii) sell printed materials; (iii) rent exhibit space at meetings or other events; (iv) charge entrance or participation fees; and (v) engage in other revenue-producing activities related to research, education, and promotion of the growing of grapes and the production of wine in Virginia. The Wine Board shall promptly deposit the proceeds of any revenue-producing activities into the Fund. The provisions of Article 3 (§ 2.2-1109 et seq.) of Chapter 11 of Title 2.2 and of Articles 1 (§ 2.2-4300 et seq.), 2 (§ 2.2-4303 et seq.), 3 (§ 2.2-4343 et seq.), and 5 (§ 2.2-4357 et seq.) of Chapter 43 of Title 2.2 shall not apply to contracts for advertising, marketing, or publishing entered into by the Wine Board. The provisions of Articles 4 (§ 2.2-4347 et seq.) and 6 (§ 2.2-4367 et seq.) of Chapter 43 of Title 2.2 shall apply to such contracts.

2004, cc. 89, 319, § 3.1-1064.7; 2008, c. 860.
Code of Virginia — Title 3.2 (Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food), Chapter 30.1 (Virginia Spirits Board)
§ 3.2-3007. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Board" means the Virginia Spirits Board.

"Cooper" means a commercial producer of wooden casks, barrels, and other staved wooden containers who sells at least $10,000 worth of such wooden containers of a type used for the production of spirits.

"Fund" means the Virginia Spirits Promotion Fund.

"Maltster" means a commercial producer of malt who (i) sells at least $10,000 worth of malt annually or (ii) has planted and maintains at least three acres of grains of a type used for the production of spirits.

"Spirits" means the same as that term is defined in § 4.1-100.

2020, cc. 85, 410.

Code of Virginia — Title 3.2 (Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food), Chapter 30.1 (Virginia Spirits Board)
§ 3.2-3008. Virginia Spirits Board; purpose; composition and appointment of members; quorum; meeting.
A. The Virginia Spirits Board is established within the Department. The purpose of the Board is to foster the development of the Virginia spirits industry by expanding spirits research, increasing education, and promoting the production of ingredients necessary for alcohol distillation and the production of spirits in the Commonwealth.

B. The Board shall consist of 11 members as follows: the Commissioner and the Chief Executive Officer of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority, both of whom shall serve ex officio without voting privileges, or their designees, and nine voting nonlegislative citizen members to be appointed by the Governor, three of whom shall be coopers or maltsters and six of whom shall be owners or operators of a distillery in the Commonwealth. Nonlegislative citizen members shall be citizens of the Commonwealth. The Governor shall make his appointments upon consideration of the recommendations made by any cooper or maltster or any owner or operator of a distillery. Each entity or person shall submit two or more recommendations for each available position at least 90 days before the expiration of the member's term for which the recommendation is being provided. If such entities or persons fail to provide the nominations at least 90 days before the expiration date pursuant to this section, the Governor may appoint other nominees that meet the foregoing criteria.

C. A majority of the members of the Board shall constitute a quorum, but a two-thirds vote of the members present shall be required for passage of items taken up by the Board. The Board shall meet at least four times each year. The meetings of the Board shall be held at the call of the chairman or whenever the majority of the members so request.

2020, cc. 85, 410.
Code of Virginia — Title 3.2 (Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food), Chapter 30.1 (Virginia Spirits Board)
§ 3.2-3009. Board membership terms; vacancies.
Following the initial staggering of terms, nonlegislative citizen members shall serve terms of four years, which shall begin on July 1 of the year of the appointment. The Commissioner shall serve a term coincident with his term of office. Appointments to fill vacancies, other than by expiration of a term, shall be for the unexpired terms. All members may be reappointed. No nonlegislative citizen member shall serve more than two consecutive four-year terms. The remainder of any term to which a member is appointed to fill a vacancy shall not constitute a term in determining the member's eligibility for reappointment. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments.

2020, cc. 85, 410.

Code of Virginia — Title 3.2 (Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food), Chapter 30.1 (Virginia Spirits Board)
§ 3.2-3010. Board officers and compensation.
A. The Board shall elect a chairman and other officers as deemed necessary from among its membership.

B. Members of the Board shall receive no compensation for the discharge of their duties, but the nonlegislative citizen members shall be reimbursed for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the discharge of their duties as provided in §§ 2.2-2813 and 2.2-2825. Funding for expenses of the nonlegislative citizen members shall be provided from the Virginia Spirits Promotion Fund established under § 3.2-3012.

2020, cc. 85, 410.
Code of Virginia — Title 3.2 (Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food), Chapter 30.1 (Virginia Spirits Board)
§ 3.2-3011. Powers and duties of the Board.
The Board shall have the power and duty to:

1. Receive and dispense funds or donations from the Virginia Spirits Promotion Fund;

2. Enter into contracts for the purpose of developing new or improved markets or marketing methods for spirits products;

3. Contract for research services to improve farming practices related to the growing of ingredients necessary for alcohol distillation in Virginia;

4. Enter into agreements with any local, state, or national organization or agency engaged in education for the purpose of disseminating information on spirits projects;

5. Enter into contracts with private or public entities for the purpose of developing marketing, advertising, and other promotional programs designed to promote the orderly growth of Virginia's spirits industry;

6. Rent or purchase office and laboratory space, land, equipment, and supplies as necessary to carry out its duties;

7. Employ such personnel as may be required to carry out those duties conferred by law;

8. Acquire any licenses or permits necessary for the performance of the powers and duties of the Board;

9. Cooperate with other state, regional, national, and international organizations in research, education, and promotion of the growing of ingredients necessary for alcohol production and the production of spirits in the Commonwealth and expend moneys from the Fund for such purposes;

10. Adopt a general statement of policy and procedures;

11. Receive from the chairman of the Board an annual report, including a statement of total receipts and disbursements for the year, and file a copy of such report with the Commissioner; and

12. Submit an annual report to the Governor and General Assembly by October 1 of each year regarding the Board's activities and use of moneys in the Virginia Spirits Promotion Fund, including statistics regarding the extent to which use of moneys in the Virginia Spirits Promotion Fund has impacted spirits sales in the Commonwealth, which shall be submitted for publication as a report document as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports and shall be posted on the General Assembly's website.

2020, cc. 85, 410; 2022, cc. 84, 85.