reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
VA Code § 3.2-108.1 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 3.2 - Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food|Chapter 1 - General Provisions|§ 3.2-108.1. Virginia Pollinator Protection Strategy

A. The Department shall develop and maintain a Virginia Pollinator Protection Strategy (the Strategy) to (i) promote the health of and mitigate the risks to all pollinator species and (ii) ensure a robust agriculture economy and apiary industry for honeybees and other managed pollinators.B. In developing the Strategy, the Department shall seek the assistance of the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the Department of Wildlife Resources, and the Department of Environmental Quality and shall establish a stakeholder group composed of representatives of affected groups, including beekeepers, agricultural producers, commercial pesticide applicators, private pesticide applicators, pesticide manufacturers, retailers, lawn and turf service providers, agribusiness and farmer organizations, conservation interests, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia State University, and the Virginia Cooperative Extension.C. The Strategy shall include a plan for the protection of managed pollinators that provides voluntary best management practices for pesticide users, beekeepers, and landowners and agricultural producers. The protection plan shall support:1. Communication between beekeepers and applicators;2. Reduction of the risk to pollinators from pesticides;3. Increases in pollinator habitat;4. Maintenance of existing compliance with state pesticide use requirements;5. Identification of needs for further research to promote robust agriculture and apiary industries; and6. Identification of additional opportunities for education and outreach on pollinators.2016, c. 11; 2020, c. 958.
VA Code § 3.2-109 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 3.2 - Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food|Chapter 1 - General Provisions|§ 3.2-109. Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services; appointments; qualifications; terms of office

The Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services is established as a policy board, within the meaning of § 2.2-2100, in the executive branch of state government and may adopt regulations in accordance with the provisions of this title. The Board shall consist of (i) one member from each congressional district, at least eight of whom shall be currently practicing farmers, and (ii) two at-large members, one of whom shall be a structural commercial applicator of pesticides and one of whom shall be engaged in the commercial sale or application of agricultural pesticides; all members to be appointed by the Governor for a term of four years and confirmed by the General Assembly. The presidents of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and Virginia State University or their designees shall be ex officio members of the Board with voting privileges. All members of the Board shall be citizens of the Commonwealth. No member of the Board, except the ex officio members, shall be eligible for more than two successive terms; provided that persons appointed to fill vacancies may serve two additional successive terms after the terms of the vacancies they were appointed to fill have expired. All vacancies in the membership of the Board shall be filled by the Governor for the unexpired term.Code 1950, § 3-1; 1952, c. 175; 1956, c. 37; 1966, c. 702, § 3.1-1; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 135; 1978, c. 219; 1985, c. 397; 1992, c. 121; 2008, c. 860; 2011, cc. 98, 185; 2012, cc. 803, 835.
VA Code § 3.2-110 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 3.2 - Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food|Chapter 1 - General Provisions|§ 3.2-110. Officers of the Board; meetings

A. The Board shall annually elect a president, vice president, and secretary.B. The Board shall meet at least three times a year for the transaction of business. Special meetings may be held at any time upon the call of the president of the Board, the request of the Commissioner, or the written request of a majority of the Board members.Code 1950, §§ 3-2, 3-3; 1966, c. 702, §§ 3.1-2, 3.1-3; 1978, c. 219; 2008, c. 860.
VA Code § 3.2-111 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 3.2 - Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food|Chapter 1 - General Provisions|§ 3.2-111. General powers and duties of the Board

A. The Board shall be charged with all matters tending to the promotion of the agricultural interests of the Commonwealth. It shall have power to receive, hold in trust, and administer any donation made to it for the advancement of the agricultural interests of the Commonwealth.B. The Board shall have power to purchase or lease land, not to exceed 1,000 acres, for the programs of the Department, and shall regulate and prescribe the salaries of such officers and employees of the Department who shall be employed in such programs.C. The Board shall also be required to advise the Governor on the state of the agricultural industry and to advise him on promoting the development of the industry; encouraging persons, agencies, organizations, and industries to develop the industry; working closely with all agencies concerned with rural resources development; coordinating efforts toward maximum farm and off-farm employment; examining marketing procedures and new techniques for selling the Commonwealth's farm products; formulating plans for developing new markets for such products; and such other matters as the Governor may request.D. The Board shall not adopt any regulation that prohibits or restricts a person, his immediate family, or his guests from consuming products or commodities grown or processed on his property provided that the products or commodities are not offered for sale to the public.E. The Board shall oversee the development of a farmers market system.F. To carry out the provisions of Chapter 39 (§ 3.2-3900 et seq.).Code 1950, § 3-4; 1966, c. 702, § 3.1-4; 1972, c. 531; 1985, c. 173, § 3.1-4.1; 1994, c. 370; 2001, cc. 17, 398; 2005, c. 882, § 3.1-14.3; 2008, c. 860; 2012, cc. 803, 835.
VA Code § 3.2-112 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 3.2 - Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food|Chapter 1 - General Provisions|§ 3.2-112. Regulations governing the conduct of referenda

The Board shall adopt regulations governing the ballots to be used in any referendum, the conduct of any referendum, canvassing the results thereof, and declaring the results of any referendum provided for in this title. The Board shall fix the date, hours, and voting places with respect to the holding of any referendum and may provide for voting by mail. No requirement of this section shall be governed by Article 2 (§ 2.2-4006 et seq.) of the Administrative Process Act.1970, cc. 310, 431, §§ 3.1-796.17, 3.1-684.6; 1980, cc. 316, 395, §§ 3.1-796.06, 3.1-1036; 1982, c. 126, § 3.1-684.25; 1983, c. 375; 1991, c. 587, § 3.1-684.45; 1995, c. 691, § 3.1-1068; 1997, c. 873, § 3.1-1084; 2005, cc. 497, 588, 864, 875, §§ 3.1-22.59, 3.1-636.2; 2008, c. 860.
VA Code § 3.2-200 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 3.2 - Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food|Chapter 2 - Preservation of Farm and Forest Lands|§ 3.2-200. Agricultural Vitality Program continued as Office of Farmland Preservation

The Agricultural Vitality Program within the Department is continued and hereafter shall be known as the Office of Farmland Preservation.2001, c. 521, § 3.1-18.9; 2008, c. 860.
VA Code § 3.2-202 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 3.2 - Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food|Chapter 2 - Preservation of Farm and Forest Lands|§ 3.2-202. Virginia Farm Link program

There is hereby created the Virginia Farm Link program to provide assistance to retiring farmers and individuals seeking to become active farmers in the transition of farm businesses and properties from retiring farmers to active farmers. Such assistance shall include: (i) assistance in the preparation of business plans for the transition of business interests; (ii) assistance in the facilitation of transfers of existing properties and agricultural operations to interested buyers; (iii) information on innovative farming methods and techniques; and (iv) research assistance on agricultural, financial, marketing, and other matters.2001, c. 521, § 3.1-18.11; 2008, c. 860.
VA Code § 3.2-203 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 3.2 - Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food|Chapter 2 - Preservation of Farm and Forest Lands|§ 3.2-203. Reporting requirements

The Commissioner shall submit a written report on the operation of the Office of Farmland Preservation by December 1 of each year to the chairmen of the House Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources and the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources. The provisions of this chapter shall not preclude local purchase of development rights programs established pursuant to the Open-Space Land Act (§ 10.1-1700 et seq.) from being eligible to receive grants, loans, or other funds from public sources.2001, c. 521, § 3.1-18.12; 2008, c. 860.
VA Code § 3.2-204 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 3.2 - Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food|Chapter 2 - Preservation of Farm and Forest Lands|§ 3.2-204. Review of capital projects

In preparing its report on each major state project, as required in Article 2 (§ 10.1-1188 et seq.) of Chapter 11.1 of Title 10.1, each state agency shall demonstrate that it has considered the impact that project would have on farm and forest lands as required in § 3.2-205, and has adequately considered alternatives and mitigating measures. The Department of Environmental Quality, in conducting its review of each major state project, shall ensure that such consideration has been demonstrated and shall incorporate its evaluation of the effects that project would have on farm and forest lands in its comments to the Governor. The procedures for review of highway and road construction projects established in accordance with subsection B of § 10.1-1188 shall include provisions requiring that the factors listed in § 3.2-205 are considered as part of the review of each project.1981, c. 635, § 3.1-18.8; 1982, c. 417; 2000, cc. 22, 778; 2008, c. 860.
VA Code § 3.2-300 (2021)
2021 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, or 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."Production agriculture and silviculture" means the bona fide production or harvesting of agricultural or silvicultural products but shall 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.
VA Code § 3.2-301 (2021)
2021 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.
VA Code § 3.2-305 (2021)
2021 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.
VA Code § 3.2-307 (2021)
2021 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.
VA Code § 3.2-308 (2021)
2021 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.
VA Code § 3.2-309 (2021)
2021 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.
VA Code § 3.2-310 (2021)
2021 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.
VA Code § 3.2-311 (2021)
2021 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 $25,000 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.
VA Code § 3.2-400 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 3.2 - Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food|Chapter 4 - Agricultural Stewardship|§ 3.2-400. Definitions

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:"Agricultural activity" means any activity used in the production of food and fiber, including farming, feedlots, grazing livestock, poultry raising, dairy farming, and aquaculture activities."Agricultural stewardship plan" or "plan" means a site-specific plan for an agricultural activity to manage, through use of stewardship measures, one or more of the following: soil, water, plants, plant nutrients, pest controls, wastes, and animals."Board" means the Soil and Water Conservation Board."Complaint" means an allegation made by any person to the Commissioner that an owner's or operator's agricultural activity is creating or, if not changed, will create pollution and that states the location and nature of such agricultural activity."District" or "soil and water conservation district" means a political subdivision of the Commonwealth organized in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 5 (§ 10.1-500 et seq.) of Title 10.1."Informal fact-finding conference" means an informal fact-finding conference conducted in accordance with § 2.2-4019."Operator" means any person who exercises managerial control over any agricultural activity."Owner" means any person who owns land where an agricultural activity occurs."Pollution" means any alteration of the physical, chemical, or biological properties of any state waters resulting from sedimentation, nutrients, or toxins."State waters" means all water, on the surface or in the ground, wholly or partially within or bordering the Commonwealth or within its jurisdiction."Stewardship measures" or "measures" means measures for controlling the addition of pollutants from existing and new categories and classes of nonpoint sources of pollution that reflect the pollutant reduction achievable through the application of the best available nonpoint pollution control methods, technologies, processes, siting criteria, operating methods, or other alternatives."Stewardship measures" or "measures" includes: (i) agricultural water quality protection management measures described in the Virginia Agricultural Best Management Practices Manual; and (ii) agricultural water quality protection management measures contained in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service Field Office Technical Guide.1996, c. 773, § 10.1-559.1; 2000, c. 973; 2008, c. 860.
VA Code § 3.2-401 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 3.2 - Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food|Chapter 4 - Agricultural Stewardship|§ 3.2-401. Exclusions from chapter

This chapter shall not apply to any agricultural activity to which: (i) Article 12 (§ 10.1-1181.1 et seq.) of Chapter 11 of Title 10.1; or (ii) a permit issued by the State Water Control Board, applies.1996, c. 773, § 10.1-559.2; 2008, c. 860.