We promote the economic growth and development of Virginia agriculture, provide consumer protection, and encourage environmental stewardship.

We envision the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services as a nationally and internationally recognized agricultural marketing, consumer protection, animal health, and environmental organization that achieves best in class customer service and results for the citizens of the Commonwealth; is a model agency known for the quality leadership of our people and excellence in agency operations; uses strategic planning and management along with partnering with clients to provide the highest quality innovative services to the Virginia agriculture and agribusiness industry, consumers, and all citizens; and promotes the highest standards of competency, ethics, fairness, and respect in all aspects of work and employment for department staff in order to attract and retain a highly effective work force.

In dealing with customers, commitment to: providing quality professional service in a timely manner; treating customers with courtesy, openness, fairness, and equity; soliciting customer input during the development of policies and procedures; and ensuring that programs, policies, and procedures effectively meet customer needs.

In dealing with each other, commitment to: valuing agency employees, empowering and supporting them to accomplish agency goals; demonstrating mutual respect; working together as a team; fostering integrity and trust, expecting high standards of performance and practicing quality improvement; ensuring accountability by linking authority with responsibility; enhancing inter-divisional communications; contributing to innovation through participation, recognition, and reward.

The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) was established in 1877, and is responsible for approximately 60 state laws and their corresponding regulations related to promotion of Virginia agriculture, consumer protection, and environmental stewardship.

VDACS provides support to the state’s varied agricultural communities by enabling producers and processors to find the best markets, both domestic and international, for their products. The department promotes economic development of Virginia’s agricultural sector by assisting firms in retaining jobs, expanding their base, and recruiting new agribusinesses to the state. VDACS also works to preserve Virginia’s working farmland.

VDACS administers programs that promote the control, prevention, and eradication of livestock and poultry diseases, and the department promotes the proper care of livestock, poultry, and companion animals and the responsible conduct of animal control activities by local governments. Through the network of four regional laboratories, VDACS provides testing services for livestock and poultry industries, veterinary practitioners, and governments. The department also administers regulatory programs to ensure that safe, wholesome, and truthfully labeled food products are for sale.

VDACS seeks to maintain the integrity of transactions between buyers and sellers, regulate charitable gaming organizations, and prevent unfair competition among regulated entities. The department also protects the environment from misuse of pesticides, plant insect pests, and plant diseases and preserves threatened and endangered plant and industry species.

Title 3.2, Code of Virginia, establishes powers for the Commissioner, Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and programs within the department and other entities to promote agricultural interests and provide consumer protection.

The agency serves more customers with fewer employees and less funding than were available 10 to 20 years ago. For example, the maximum employment level decreased by 17 percent (from 701 positions in 1991 to 582 today). The department has maintained a strong customer service focus, and we benefit from good working relationships with industry, agricultural interest groups, universities, and state and local government agencies.

One of the challenges the agency faces is integrating new technologies in customer interaction. There is a focus on offering service delivery through the internet to customers and providing opportunities for transactions such as registrations and fee payments over the web. However, with limited resources available for this initiative, implementation has been difficult.

A continuing demand for streamlined services from constituents; an increasing requirement for compliance with central agency standards, policies, and procedures; and minimal funding and staffing resources hinder the agency’s ability to move forward with information technology initiatives. The Commonwealth of Virginia Security Standards, audit requirements, budget reductions, data standards, and other central agency requirements have stretched information technology resources. The infrastructure partnership requires management of their activities by existing agency staff, again adding to the time constraints.

The department is working on a number of information technology solutions, such as increasing technology capabilities, providing services on-line through the web portal, and updating legacy mainframe applications. The department has about 60 agency-specific computer applications.

The department continues losing many long-tenured staff to retirement with 21 employees retiring in Fiscal Year 2021.  Currently, 15 percent of employees are eligible to retire and 25 percent are eligible within the next five years. Additionally, the agency’s seasonal and wage workforce consists of long-term employees and former retirees who are gradually choosing not to continue working. This has resulted in a great loss of institutional knowledge, skills, and experience. The average age of VDACS employees is 48.1.  Approximately 223 of 458 employees are age 50 and over, and 76 employees have over 25 years of state service.

The department continues to explore avenues to improve staff retention, including the addition of an apprenticeship program and career development programs. 

The department operates and maintains 210,261 square feet at 17 facilities, ranging from small office buildings to complex laboratories, to a large wholesale farmers’ market facility. The facilities are located statewide, from Warrenton to Wytheville to Onley (on the Eastern Shore of Virginia). The facilities include a network of regional animal health laboratories, regional office buildings, and commodity inspection facilities. In addition, the department leases space in Capitol Square for the main administrative office and in other locations for smaller offices and storage. In the past several years, the agency has completed a large project to repair tornado damage at the Southeast Farmers’ Market in Courtland and installed backup generators for laboratory facilities.

Future challenges involve transferring ownership of the Produce Market and Seafood Processing facilities to the local industrial development authority, modernizing laboratory spaces, and other efforts to extend the usefulness of the buildings.

Changes in Virginia agriculture, animal health responsibilities, information technology security issues, and the increase in consumer protection demands severely challenge the department. Staffing and resource limitations are forcing the agency to be selective in setting priorities and objectives. International marketing, farmland preservation, niche and specialty crop marketing and small farmer assistance, animal disease, plant disease and pests, and food safety remain priorities.

Another key risk is that of disasters, both natural and man-made. The threats of animal disease, plant diseases and pests, and food contamination or food borne illnesses have been amplified by the global economy. The opportunities for the spread of diseases, pests, and terrorism have increased worldwide because of travel and international movement of people, commodities, food, and animals.

Factors affecting the department's workforce also pose a risk. With retirements there is a loss of institutional knowledge and "transition speed bumps" as new employees assume duties. Significant time is spent hiring and training new employees, and increasing turnover of employees with less than five years tenure compounds the risks. In addition, the low starting salary for positions requiring technical expertise makes it difficult to hire and retain skilled employees.

In addition, the department is threatened by federal budget uncertainty. The pervasive loss of public confidence in government may also create changes in the department’s approach to program delivery. The department's role in compliance with federal mandates, such as food safety, compounds the challenges.

The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' diverse programs are supported by a variety of funding sources including general fund support (55.7 percent), federal grants (15.1 percent), commodity board self-assessments (12.3 percent), commodity grading fees (8.4 percent) and user fees (8.5 percent).

The agency collects revenue from a wide variety of sources.  Not only is the agency responsible for a wide variety of programs, many programs are supported by complex fee structures.  The Code of Virginia restricts the use of special fund and dedicated special fund revenue to support of the program activities in which the revenue was generated.  Properly processing and accounting for revenue is an important responsibility of the department's Finance Office.

The statisical summary reflects just a small portion of the agency's diverse program areas.  The department impacts all Virginia citizens and supports critical components of Virginia's economy.  Data is from FY 2018, unless otherwise noted.

No data

VDACS products and services fall within six categories:

Promoting Virginia Agriculture – Agricultural marketing and promotion (domestic and international), agricultural business development and growth, farmland preservation and fostering the next generation of farmers, and assisting commodity boards.

Assuring food safety and quality – Inspection of meat, poultry, food and dairy operations, and produce production to protect public health and ensure consumer confidence.

Assuring animal health and care – Protecting the economic viability of livestock and poultry industries, disease control and surveillance, animal health diagnostic laboratories, evaluation of shelters, training of animal care organizations, animal medication and remedies regulation, and commercial animal feed regulation.

Assuring crop and plant health and productivity – Inspection and prevention of the spread of plant pests and diseases in nursery stock and crops, fertilizer and soil products regulation, seed and plant propagation inspection and regulation, and apiary inspection and regulation.

Protecting public health and Virginia’s environment – Pesticide use and storage, endangered plant and insect protection, agricultural stewardship and food safety.

Ensuring fair trade practices in commerce – motor fuels labeling and preventing adulteration, weights and measures regulation, commodity grading and standards, regulation of certain consumer transactions, charitable solicitations and charitable gaming regulation, and milk marketing regulation.

The department is achieving its mission within the parameters of the resources that are available. The department has been able to achieve this service level by streamlining the organization; utilizing technology; partnering with industry and consumer groups; pursuing and obtaining federal grant resources; and the outstanding productivity of a highly skilled, dedicated, and experienced workforce.

The department has increased the promotion of Virginia's agriculture internationally, and a presence is established through market representation contracts in various foreign markets. This facilitates interactions between Virginia's producers and international buyers for commodities, specialty foods and wine, and wood products.

The Governor's Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund attracts economic development projects involving agriculture and forestry operations to locate or expand in Virginia.  The fund is an important tool in growing the Commonwealth’s agriculture and forestry sector and helping to make Virginia a leading exporter of agricultural and forest products.

Significant performance indicators are listed below.

Promoting the growth, profitability, diversity and continued viability of Virginia’s agriculture industry provides opportunities for business advancement and economic development. Increasing the profitability of Virginia agriculture also provides an opportunity to protect and conserve our natural resources.

Agribusiness development services.

• Market and promote Virginia as an exceptional site for development of agricultural business.

• Target specific sectors of Virginia agriculture that show the best prospects for investment, employment growth, and supply chain development.

• Support state and local efforts to build capacity and infrastructure for agricultural development.

• Advise and connect agribusinesses to experts in business planning.

Implementation of the Governor's Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund.

• Continue outreach of Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund to localities, economic development partners, industry leaders, and potential business beneficiaries.

• Administer Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund grants to support companies in their decisions to locate, expand, or remain in the Commonwealth.

• Administer Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund Planning Grant program to support localities in advancing their efforts to assist agribusinesses.

Assistance with the development of local farmland preservation programs and allocation of state purchase of development rights matching funds.

• Provide technical assistance to localities through the Office of Farmland Preservation in the development and implementation of farmland preservation programs and activities.

• Provide technical assistance to localities through the Office of Farmland Preservation in the development of local purchase of development rights programs.

• Allocate state matching funds to local purchase of development rights programs and explore alternative methods for allocating state matching purchase of development rights funds more effectively.

• Conduct comprehensive outreach programs to educate farmers, Virginia Century Farm families, and the general public about farmland preservation options and tools.

• Coordinate efforts with allied organizations and agencies involved in land conservation.

Assistance with the development and delivery of farm transition efforts.

• Enlist the assistance of allied organizations/programs (such as Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Outdoors Foundation, and the Virginia Century Farm program) to recruit viable farmers/land owners to the Virginia Farm Link database.

• Add new functions to the Virginia Farm Link database and the Certified Farm Seeker program to better facilitate farm transitions.

• Increase the number of certified farm seekers through collaboration with Virginia Farm Bureau Federation.

• Fund, develop, and deliver additional farm link workshops with Virginia Farm Bureau Federation.

Grading and inspection services increase the value of agricultural products and encourage a healthy marketplace by ensuring that quality standards are met.

• Meet clients’ requests for services by maintaining management and certified technical staff in five comprehensive commodity inspection programs. (Poultry and Egg, Grain, Fruit and Vegetable, Peanut, and Livestock to include Red Meat).

• Provide audit services and training relating to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) audit matrix to Virginia’s agriculture industry.

• Provide continued education to producers and organizations regarding USDA quality grades and their relationship to market and industry trends and demands.

Provides unbiased reliable information and market analysis on agricultural prices and market trends.

• Collect, analyze, and disseminate marketing information on agricultural products using multiple reporting systems: internet, print, and broadcast media.

• Maintain USDA certification and training of Livestock staff to collect and and submit livestock market information to the Market News Office.

Effective marketing programs will maintain and expand current markets for Virginia food, agricultural and forestry products in the domestic marketplace.

• Provide marketing assistance to Virginia producers of agricultural, forestry, and food products by increasing exposure to wholesale and retail marketing options that have the potential of enhancing farm viability, including cooperative marketing, agri-tourism, organics, farmers’ markets, and other marketing strategies.

• Conduct virtual and in-person trade calls and production area tours with prospective and existing buyers, wholesalers, and brokers.

• Partner with appropriate state and federal entities to assist with current food access programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Senior Farmers’ Market Nutritional Program, and Food Banks.

• Maintain collaboration with Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, USDA Farm Service Agency, and others in an effort to provide seamless assistance from production to end consumer.

• Support the growth and development of farmers' markets in Virginia, including providing operational and marketing guidance.

• Provide exposure to marketing, sales, and educational opportunities for Virginia food, beverage and agricultural products under the Virginia Grown and Virginia’s Finest umbrellas.

• Provide staff leadership and direction to the Farm-to-School program to enhance opportunities for Virginia grown and processed foods to be sold through schools and other educational institutions.

• Monitor, search, and apply for available grant funding through USDA and other federal programs and collaborate with other applicant entities.

• Administer projects for USDA's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program as notifications are published.

• Develop new contacts and maintain current contacts with cattle feedlot operators and buyers to assure their continued awareness and purchases of Virginia feeder cattle.

• Increase livestock producers’ exposure to and participation in graded and customized livestock sales.

• Provide services that facilitate interstate and international movement of livestock and poultry such as monitoring and approving certificates of veterinary inspection and providing technical assistance to accredited veterinarians.

• Provide technical resources to assist prospective and existing meat and poultry operations by providing technical information and continuing education.

Provide services and administer marketing offices to expand international marketing of Virginia's agricultural and forestry products.

• Create and implement market development activities, including hosting inbound and outbound trade missions that generate new export sales, participating in trade shows, and conducting buyer missions in emerging markets. These missions will be a combination of in-person and virtual events.

• Enable and provide direction to international representative offices for providing assistance to new and existing exporters and identifying new international opportunities for Virginia’s agricultural and forestry products.

• Coordinate export promotional activities with partners and stakeholders, including the Virginia Marine Products Board and the Virginia Department of Forestry.

• Collaborate with and leverage funding opportunities from partners and stakeholders, including USDA Cooperators to enhance international market development goals.

• Educate and counsel Virginia agribusinesses on export processes and sales opportunities as well as facilitate trade leads from international buyers.

Provides for improved nutritional health and well being of the Commonwealth's school children; improved food security and nutrition assistance to needy citizens and economic benefits to agricultural producers, processors and distributors.

• Offer, allocate, and distribute USDA donated foods to eligible recipient agencies.

• Make trade calls to schools and institutions to increase the use of Virginia food products and pursue opportunities through USDA programs.

• Provide support for expanding USDA /Department of Defense Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program with public schools.

• Maintain working relationships with commercial distributors, including food banks, to enhance food distribution programs.

• Ensure that all agencies receiving USDA foods are in full compliance with all USDA regulations.

• Coordinate with other state agencies involved in nutrition programs to ensure efficient and effective services are provided to recipients.

Assist commodity industry producers in seeking methods to better manage operations and risks, and ensure compliance with state regulations. Coordinate, integrate and target state and national commodity board programs in order to strengthen commodity marketing, research and education successes.

• Maintain and enhance working relationships with state, regional, and national organizations; boards; and associations by facilitating promotional, educational, and research activities.

• Provide administrative support to 16 agricultural commodity boards to assist in accomplishing their programs to include providing financial, budget, and project management services.

The successful export of Virginia agricultural and forestry products is dependent upon expedient and effective inspections and the timely issuance of Phytosanitary Certificates.

• Continue to support the export of Virginia plant products through inspection, compliance, and certification by processing phytosanitary certificates using the USDA’s electronic Phytosanitary Certificate Issuance and Tracking system.

Local food systems are supported through grants from the Virginia Food Access Investment Fund.

• Continue to promote the Virginia Food Access Investment Fund through outreach to potential business beneficiaries, economic development partners, fresh food access advocates, and other organizations in partnership with the designated Community Development Financing Institution.

• Administer Virginia Food Access Investment Fund grants to support recipient companies and organizations to increase fresh food access, especially Virginia grown foods, through use of customer SNAP benefits, Virginia Fresh Match, and similar programs.

An integrated system of food safety inspection and testing is implemented to ensure that Virginia continues to have high food safety standards. These standards enable the public to enjoy quality, safe and wholesome food that enhances the well being of Virginia citizens, the environment and the economy.

Inspect food manufacturing, processing, storage and sales facilities for general sanitary conditions and practices and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

• Monitor food safety field activities to ensure that inspections, sampling, investigations, and educational efforts are structured to ensure that industry needs are addressed and public health is optimized.

• Maintain a food protection rapid response team that encompasses both the food and feed protection programs with the expertise and training to investigate foodborne illness outbreaks and other food and feed hazards or emergencies.

• Continue to maintain the FDA-based Manufactured and Retail Foods Regulatory Program Standards to ensure continuous program improvement and the enhancement of regulatory activities.

Develop and implement a produce safety program to effectively enforce the federal Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule.

• Further develop program infrastructure, including produce safety regulatory program standards and relevant policies and procedures to ensure a successful and viable program.

• Maintain and further develop a produce farm inventory database that includes both covered and exempt produce farms. Incorporate farm inspections and enforcement activities into this database.

• Ensure VDACS meets all requirements necessary to receive federal funding for the Produce Safety Program.

To ensure the continued supply of safe, wholesome, unadulterated and properly labeled meat and poultry products for Virginia consumers by inspecting and providing technical expertise and advice to Virginia's Talmadge-Aiken plants, state inspected plants, and custom plants to maintain Virginia's "equal to" inspection program.

• Provide outreach and technical guidance, including information on foreign animal diseases, to all inspected and exempt meat and poultry processing operations in Virginia.

• Verify humane handling practices and provide assistance in meeting the standards in all Talmadge-Aiken, state, and custom exempt slaughter facilities.

• Monitor, investigate, and ensure compliance with the Virginia meat law.

• Utilize the Office of Meat and Poultry Services Management Control and the Public Health Information System to evaluate and verify performance of the meat and poultry inspection program.

• Conduct effective sampling programs utilizing VDACS’s regional animal health and federal Food Safety Inspection Service laboratories to ensure production of safe meat products.

• Partner with USDA Food Safety Inspection Service, Office of Dairy and Food, and Virginia Department of Health to effectively address all regulations and exemptions associated with new and innovative methods of production and distribution of meat and poultry items.

• Continue to partner with Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, Virginia Cooperative Extension, localities, and other state and federal entities to provide education and technical resources when requested.

Inspect dairy activities according to the prescribed schedule to ensure the safety of the milk supply.

• Monitor dairy field activities to ensure that inspections, sampling, investigations, and educational efforts are structured to ensure that industry needs are addressed and public health is optimized.

• Evaluate a minimum of 80 percent of permitted milk haulers/samplers once every two years to comply with Interstate Milk Shippers' requirements.

• Inspect a minimum of 80 percent of permitted milk tank trucks each biennium to comply with Interstate Milk Shippers' requirements.

• Secure and develop a database and software system capable of enhancing and managing office and field-related data.

By providing agricultural and consumer protection services that support economic growth, meet consumer needs and encourage environmental stewardship, the department promotes a balanced and reasonable approach to regulations, which protects the public’s interest and supports economic growth.

Protect and promote Virginia's animal agriculture industries by conducting livestock market and sales inspections; reviewing and issuing animal health certificates; conducting investigations and tracebacks; issuing quarantines and eradication notices; maintaining Virginia's Tuberculosis, Brucellosis, and Pseudorabies free status; and enforcing livestock and poultry regulations and entry requirements on a continuous basis. 

• Train, certify or recertify staff through USDA or other courses on Brucellosis, Tuberculosis, Pseudorabies, Scrapie, Avian Influenza, Foreign Animal Diseases, the Live Bird Marketing System, and Animal Disease Traceability as these courses and funding are made available.

• Coordinate with the Virginia Department of Health and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources on diseases of mutual concern in support of the “One Health” Initiative, in which it is recognized that many diseases affect both animals and humans.

• Support the livestock industry by inspecting, monitoring, auditing, and disinfecting livestock markets; assisting with animal disease traceability through the provision of official identification devices and data collection equipment; monitoring livestock dealers, records, and registrations; maintaining the Cattle Brand Registration program; monitoring for humane handling of livestock at livestock markets; and ensuring compliance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations.

• Work to ensure compliance with state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to animal movement, animal transport, and disease control by inspecting or monitoring equine events, county and state fairs, shows, exhibitions, sales, and other animal gatherings to the extent allowed by resources.

• Coordinate efforts with state agencies and localities to enhance compliance with regulations pertaining to interstate movement of animals.

• Participate in all state and federal programs and ensure compliance with all federal and state laws and regulations to maintain Virginia’s USDA designated Tuberculosis-free, Brucellosis-free, and Pseudorabies-free status.

• Support Virginia’s poultry industry and reduce the potential for highly contagious poultry diseases by monitoring, testing, and auditing the commercial and non-commercial poultry flocks in the state; participating in the National Poultry Improvement Plan; monitoring the importation of hatching eggs and poultry into the state; and inspecting feed and farm stores for the presence and sale of poultry.

• Work to prevent the incursion of Contagious Equine Metritis by inspecting quarantine facilities, monitoring sample collection and monitoring quarantines placed on horses imported into Virginia from countries known to have Contagious Equine Metritis.

• Promote programs and work to ensure compliance with federal and state laws and regulations that help control diseases of economic concern to Virginia’s animal agriculture such as Scrapie, Neurological Equine Herpes Virus-1, Equine Infectious Anemia, Avian Influenza, Pullorum, and other infectious or contagious diseases as they may occur.

• Monitor all Certificates of Veterinary Inspection; conduct investigations into violations of state import regulations; and monitor, approve, and conduct investigations into violations of the issuance of Certificates of Veterinary Inspection.

• Conduct the orientation training for private practitioners to be approved to perform USDA accredited duties in Virginia, including regulatory animal disease testing and to issue Certificates of Veterinary Inspection.

• Conduct animal health and disease investigations as authorized by state and federal laws and regulations.

• Approve and monitor the use of veterinary biologicals and veterinary vaccines in Virginia.

• Continue secure food supply programs to support interested agricultural industries and producers. These programs provide for continuity of business plans that will allow participants to safely ship non-infected agricultural products within disease management areas in the event of a foreign animal disease outbreak.

• Develop communication strategies to be used in the event of an animal disease outbreak, especially for avian influenza.

Provides quality diagnostic and regulatory testing of specimens from animals, raw foods and limited environmental origin to the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia in a timely manner and at a reasonable cost. These testing services provide assistance to producers, regulatory offices, and private veterinarians in diagnosing disease problems, are a vital link in the monitoring and surveillance for both animal and human diseases of regulatory concern (e.g. Brucellosis, Tuberculosis, Salmonella, E. coli), and provide certification of animals and their products necessary for interstate and international export.

• Operate the Commonwealth’s regional animal health laboratory systems.

• Maintain National Animal Health Laboratory Network certification for the Harrisonburg Regional Animal Health Laboratory.

• Implement the electronic linking of automated laboratory equipment and the USALims Laboratory Information Management System in each regional animal health laboratory.

• Conduct at least one outreach event for producers and laboratory users per year at each regional animal health laboratory.

The integrity and competitiveness of the Virginia grain industry will be maintained by monitoring for compliance with Virginia Grain Laws.

• Visit all Virginia grain handlers and dealers annually to ensure compliance of testing equipment and sampling procedures and results and to provide information on current grain markets.

• Initiate investigations on all complaints from producers claiming nonpayment, fraud, deceit, or negligence of a grain dealer or handler within 24 hours of receipt.

• Review license applications of grain dealers to ensure their license renewal by December 31 of each year.

The provision of an adequate and constant supply of fluid milk products, a vital and healthy food source, to the citizens of the Commonwealth promotes public welfare and health.

• Establish an adequate monthly supply of base milk production to processors to meet their processing requirements for fluid milk product sales in Virginia markets.

• Establish and communicate advanced monthly Virginia class producer prices by regulatory due dates to enable producers to make business decisions.

• Provide producers/cooperative associations and processors with requisite calculations of values of class utilization of producer deliveries by regulatory due dates in order to ensure timely billings and payments.

• Communicate with producers/cooperatives and processors any audit findings requiring a financial adjustment and follow-up to ensure that audit adjustments are made. All completed audits will have findings communicated within 20 working days.

Strengthen compliance with Virginia’s Comprehensive Animal Care Laws, prevent cruelty to animals and promote humane care and treatment of animals by conducting at least one inspection of each of the public animal shelter facilities, monitoring Animal Control Officer training standards and providing local jurisdictions assistance in investigations concerning commercial dog breeding and animal fighting.

• Serve as a technical resource for local governments and other public and private partners in support of enforcement of the Comprehensive Animal Care Laws.

• Facilitate compliance with Virginia’s Comprehensive Animal Care Laws and regulations in public and private animal shelters by inspection, consultation, and enforcement actions and by provision of humane animal euthanasia training.

• Cooperate with criminal justice academies and other animal control officer training providers to facilitate the development, availability, and approval of basic and continuing training courses for Animal Control Officers.

• Work closely with localities to ensure data entry of dangerous dogs into the Virginia Dangerous Dog Registry.

Consumer spending is the primary driver of the economy. As such, it is of critical importance to ensure that complaints between regulated entities and consumers are resolved promptly and effectively in order to reduce the incidence of fraud, deception, and illegal practices in the marketplace.

• Provide timely registration of industries regulated by the program.

• Continue priority response to consumer complaints.

• Develop consumer protection outreach through educational products.

• Develop and implement online registration systems for Charitable Solicitation applicants.

Enhance the protection of human health and the environment by promoting and seeking to ensure compliance with Virginia pesticide laws and regulations. The proper use of pesticides is essential to elimination or containment of pests that could cause disease and economic damage. Because of their inherent toxicity, pesticides must be handled in accordance with specific instructions that are printed on the labels and which must be observed. Non-compliance with applicable laws or label instructions could result in serious public and environmental health dangers, hence the need to continually strive to increase compliance.

• Collaborate with Virginia Tech Pesticide Programs to ensure that pesticide applicator training manuals and certification examinations reflect current federal and state regulations.

• Continue to provide outreach to Virginians regarding the safe use of pesticides.

• Continue to coordinate the unwanted pesticide collection and pesticide container recycling programs.

• Encourage voluntary adoption of Virginia’s Voluntary Plan to Mitigate the Risk of Pesticides to Managed Pollinators as part of Virginia’s Pollinator Protection Strategy.

• Ensure the composition of pesticide products offered for sale in the marketplace complies with terms of registration through timely collection of pesticide product samples for analysis.

• Provide licensing of pesticide businesses, registration of pesticide products, and certification of pesticide applicators.

• Develop and implement online registration, licensing, and certification programs.

Conduct inspections statewide involving devices used in industrial weighing, packaging and direct sales transactions. Periodic testing activities involve the inspection of petroleum dispensers, fuel oil trucks, retail computing scales, vehicle scales, livestock weighing scales, and others.

• Develop a new inspection strategy based on quantitative analysis of inspection data to better focus appropriate resources.

• Ensure that the Metrology Laboratory maintains accreditation by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program.

• Provide online recertification training to service technicians in accordance with Va. Code 3.2-5707.B4.

• Collaborate with motor fuel and retail stakeholders to ensure proper labeling compliance for motor fuel.

• Provide registration of service agencies, service agency technicians, and motor fuel products.

Inspects manufacturers and producers of agricultural commodities to ensure compliance with good manufacturing practices, and analyzes agricultural products for compliance with established standards and truth in labeling requirements.

• Meet the contractual obligation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the number of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy surveillance inspections.

• Provide routine inspections of animal feed manufacturing facilities based on commodity movement, risk, and violation rates.

• Provide review and processing of applications submitted under the Certified Fertilizer Applicator program.

• Continue the development of the Certified Fertilizer Applicator training programs to meet recertification requirements.

• Enhance Virginia’s commodity crop industries through the efficient and effective operation of the agency’s Seed Laboratory.

• Provide registration and inspection services of animal feed, animal remedies, fertilizer, and liming materials.

The successful export of Virginia agricultural and forestry products is dependent upon expedient and effective inspections, and the timely issuance of Phytosanitary Certificates.

• Provide disease detection, accurate diagnosis, and effective disease control recommendations for the nursery industry.

• Provide detection, education, control, and eradication services to prevent the introduction or slow the spread of exotic harmful plant pest species and noxious weeds.

• Pursue external funding for and collaborate on recovery and conservation projects for endangered and threatened plant and insect species.

• Provide inspections and certifications to support sustainable populations of Virginia grown ginseng.

• Promote healthy beehives and encourage wider use of pollinators by conducting inspections and educational site visits.

• Promote voluntary compliance with Virginia’s Pollinator Protection Strategy.

• Develop and implement an evaluation process for determining those plants that should be recommended for listing as a noxious weed.

Provides permitting functions for non-profit organizations that wish to conduct bingo games and raffles in the Commonwealth. 

• Update plan to conduct audits or financial reviews of permitted charitable gaming organizations.

• Provide for timely and accurate processing of all permit and registration applications received by the program through an online system.

• Update plan to inspect the gaming operations of permitted charitable gaming organizations conducting bingo.

• Assist permitted manufacturers of electronic pull-tab systems to improve their detection of criminal activity related to the use of electronic pull-tab devices.

• Provide for timely processing of all permit and registration applications received.

• Continue priority response to customer complaints.

Ensures agency regulatory and legislative activities are in accordance with guidance.

• Facilitate training of agency staff on the agency’s executive branch legislative coordination guidelines.

• Assist the Commissioner’s Office and agency staff with the pre-General Assembly session development of legislative packages that meet agency and executive branch guidance on legislative proposals.

• Facilitate compliance with the directions of the Governor, Cabinet Secretary, and Commissioner regarding the review, analysis, tracking and committee coverage of bills introduced during the General Assembly.

Ensures regulatory action is in accordance with statutory provisions.

• Facilitate training of agency staff on the statutory requirements and related policies and procedures regarding rulemaking.

• Implement the requirements of the Governor’s executive order on rulemaking.

• Conduct the periodic review of regulations as required by the Administrative Process Act and the Governor’s executive order and initiate the appropriate regulatory actions as identified during the periodic review.

• Coordinate the regulatory actions of all agency boards, commissions, officers, or other units of state government empowered by law to make regulations.

Directs the agency’s compliance regarding the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.

• Facilitate training of agency staff on the statutory requirements and related policies and procedures regarding record requests pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.

• Facilitate training of agency staff on the statutory requirements and related policies and procedures regarding holding meetings pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.

• Ensure Office of Policy, Planning, and Research staff stays up to date on changes to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act and guidance, opinions, and training opportunities from the Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council.

• Ensure that the Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services, any other board or commission within the agency, any committee of any board or commission within the agency, and any other public body to which the agency provides staff conducts all meetings pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.

• Ensure the agency’s consistent response to record requests, including consistent use of any appropriate exclusion or exemption from the requirements of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.

Administers the Agriculture Stewardship Act.

• Process Agricultural Stewardship Act complaints, ensuring that they are handled expeditiously and efficiently and in accordance with the Commissioner’s direction and state law.

• Increase the awareness of environmental stewardship among agricultural producers, local officials, and landowners by coordinating and participating in outreach efforts with federal, state, and local agencies.

• Represent the agency in working with federal and state agencies and industry stakeholders in addressing water quality issues related to the Chesapeake Bay and agriculture.

Implementation of the Virginia Industrial Hemp Law.

• Administer the industrial hemp program.

• Provide technical assistance to interested industrial hemp registration program participants.

• Provide technical assistance to and coordinate with state and local law enforcement regarding implementation of the Virginia Industrial Hemp Law.

• Represent the agency in working with federal and state agencies and industry stakeholders in supporting commercial industrial hemp production.

• Monitor Registered Industrial Hemp Growers’ compliance with the Industrial Hemp Law and regulate the production of industrial hemp in accordance with the agency’s USDA-approved plan in order to remain the primary regulator of hemp production in Virginia.

Through the integration and maintenance of new technology and e-government applications, streamlined work processes and procedures, and training, the department is able to operate more efficiently and enhance service levels both internally and externally, while making the most prudent use of tax dollars.

Provide Internal Audit Services.

• Submit an updated Annual Audit Plan.

• Provide Internal Audit consulting services as needed.

• Investigate and make recommendations on any Hot Line calls as required.

• Evaluate current and develop new processes to improve functionality and protect customer information while managing associated costs.

• Use new technology to improve software systems through ease of use, accessibility, data integrity, and data security.

• Educate customers on the value of new business functions and processes, explain how these functions and processes address solutions to their business needs, and enhance understanding of compliance requirements.

• Architect new ASP.net applications using a framework of re-usable components to minimize development time and cost of maintenance.

• Implement a process to determine, prioritize, and govern agency IT projects and ad hoc requests.

•  Adapt applications and processes to support customer driven self-service.

• Build a foundation of cross-functional knowledge through employee training, information sharing, process documentation, and succession planning to support successful transitions.

• Encourage collaboration within Administrative Services and with other divisions as a means of knowledge sharing and cross training.

• Inspire employees to achieve excellence and foster cohesiveness by cultivating passion and cooperation toward accomplishing objectives and reducing agency risk.

Successful implementation of statewide mandates and systems, such as Cardinal HCM, eVa replacement, new security standards, and other external administrative requirements.

• Position VDACS to accept ongoing change by being receptive and adaptable.

• Protect customer and agency data through compliance with Commonwealth security standards.

• Implement Oliver Hill Building Emergency Preparedness plan in accordance with Department of General Services' policy.

• Monitor and update the Agency Succession Plan in an effort to ensure that the agency has a qualified workforce, within the constraints of the hiring process and budget, to carry out agency goals and objectives of the Plan.

• Work with supervisors and employees to update their Employee Work Profile to successfully implement the strategic and operational plans as well as other mandates.

• Encourage supervisors and managers to attend periodic webinars presented by HRO on various personnel related topics. Promote attendance at the Supervisory Institute, Commonwealth Management Institute, and Virginia Executive Institute.

• Explore offering virtual informational sessions to employees on recruitment and other topics to enhance knowledge and skills.

• Utilize and maintain the Virginia Learning Center to communicate online training opportunities as they become available.

• Monitor, analyze, and report turnover; conduct exit interviews; and utilize recruiting and retention tools.

• Utilize social media to enhance the visibility of job opportunities at the agency. Explore developing videos to communicate the various occupations and diversity of working at VDACS.

• Promote safety awareness and safe work habits and respond in a timely manner to concerns, questions, or complaints about health and safety issues.

• Review, evaluate, and administer the agency salary plan to ensure human resource management flexibility, pay practices, and benefits are used appropriately and within the constraints of the hiring process and budget to recruit and retain a qualified and diverse workforce.

• Assess the Agency’s progress towards employing a diverse and inclusive workforce. Maintain Virginia Values Veterans V3 certification by submitting required quarterly reports and completing required ongoing training.

• Create, promote, and foster a work environment that supports the Agency Code of Ethics and Civility in the Workplace and recognizes, appreciates, and values diversity and is free of discrimination and harassment.

• Encourage communication to prevent and resolve discrimination and employee relation matters and complaints in a fair, equitable, and consistent manner.

• Inform statewide, national, and trade media about agricultural products and promotional events, including content on the positive aspects of agriculture, its products, and its economic benefits to Virginians.

• Provide the program areas within the agency with news releases, media relations, photography, copywriting, graphic design, web updates, special events, multimedia, and social media support.

• Maintain and enhance the agency’s media relations program by responding to media accurately and within 24 hours or fewer and continue to develop relationships with media outlets.

• Manage the agency website and social media sites and update based on agency priorities. Frequently monitor and respond appropriately to comments on agency social media platforms.

• Increase awareness of agency services, policies, procedures, and priorities through the distribution of a monthly internal newsletter and/or the agency intranet site.

• Assist the Commissioner and agency managers with speechwriting, talking points, audio-visual production, development of social media sites, and audio-visual services as requested.

• Engage agency divisions to develop annual communications strategies to promote division services and objectives.

• Coordinate media response to crisis situations with appropriate program staff and other partners.

• Work to build a library of multimedia content to enhance the effectiveness of agency communications.

• In consultation with agency leadership, develop a consistent agency brand and voice for agency communications; provide support and guidance to agency staff in representing that brand in external communications.

By instituting measures that improve our emergency response capacity, the department is able to help minimize the impact to citizens and reduce economic losses to Virginia businesses. Providing services that help to protect public safety and security will improve the quality of life for all Virginians.

Prevent and manage foreign and emerging livestock and poultry diseases by being proactive, as well as maintaining ongoing activities to assure that animal diseases are not introduced into the Commonwealth that could have a negative economic impact. Plans must be in place to minimize the economic impact of an introduced disease or natural disasters that may occur.

• Continue to work with various sectors in the livestock industry to develop and implement an effective animal disease traceability program in Virginia, contingent on funding for such a program.

• Continue to review and improve the Highly Contagious Livestock and Poultry Disease Emergency Operations Plan and the Avian Influenza Initial State Response and Containment Plan and to exercise strategic portions of the plans, contingent on available personnel.

• Continue work with livestock markets and livestock dealers to ensure effective animal disease traceability.

• Continue to examine animals with pathologic conditions found at inspected slaughter plants so that reportable diseases can be identified.

• Ensure that staff veterinarians are trained through the USDA Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostician Course and related continuing education courses as available.

• Participate in the Virginia Poultry Disease Task Force and the Delmarva Poultry Industry Emergency Disease Task Force and seek to maintain a strong working relationship with poultry producers throughout Virginia.

In conjunction with other state and federal agencies, effectively works to mitigate the impact of plant health emergencies that result from the natural, accidental or intentional introduction of plant pests or diseases that would have an adverse impact on Virginia's agricultural, horticultural, and forest communities.

• Maintain the Plant Pest Emergency Response Plan.

It is critically important that staff be prepared to carry out assigned emergency responsibilities. Training and exercises enhance the department's ability to execute emergency response plans.

• Review and update emergency policies and procedures and the Continuity of Operations Plan and exercise as needed.

• Coordinate with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, Virginia Department of Social Services, and other partners to plan for individuals with household pets who are evacuated to state-coordinated regional shelters during a declared emergency.

• Fulfill the agency’s responsibilities as assigned in the Commonwealth of Virginia Emergency Operations Plan.

The Food Distribution Program manages the distribution of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) donated foods to all eligible outlets in the state.



This activity performs the following activities:

•Approves non-school outlets for participation

•Orders USDA foods based on USDA foods offered, school food requests or clients served

•Arranges transportation and storage, maintains accountability of USDA foods

•Ensures that USDA donated food usage is in accordance with federal regulations. The staff provides technical assistance in program operation and promotes Virginia products to recipient agencies and commercial distributors. This office also diverts USDA foods in emergencies for disaster relief, including potential terrorist attacks, to assist state recovery operations.



Currently, there are four components to this activity that are interrelated and generate economies of scale because they use the same personnel and a single commercial distribution system:



The first and largest component is USDA foods for school lunches. The program benefits state taxpayers by reducing the cost of school meals by 43 cents each. Virginia schools serve 198.7 million meals annually. This component provides the initial shelf stable food resources for state recovery operations from disasters or emergencies including terrorist attacks. In the event of state emergencies, disasters, or terrorist attacks, the department can also coordinate the diversion of USDA foods from a variety of sources.



The second component is The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services distributes foods donated by USDA to seven regional food banks for subsequent distribution to low income households. The department also distributes TEFAP foods to eligible soup kitchens/congregate feeding sites in Virginia.



The third component is the distribution of USDA foods to public and private nonprofit institutions. USDA foods provided to state and local penal institutions reduce the food cost burden to the economic benefit of Virginia taxpayers.

The fourth component is the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP).  The department provides USDA donated food to regional food banks for distribution to low income people older than 60.

This service area aligns with the departmental mission to enhance opportunities for the growth and profitability of the Virginia agriculture industry. The activity promotes economic opportunities for Virginia producers (farmers), processors and distributors who warehouse USDA foods in conjunction with their commercial food sales to these outlets.  The service area also plays a vital role in promoting healthy lives by providing nutritious, low/no-cost meals for food program participants.

Authority: Title 3.2, Chapter 47, Code of Virginia.

Distribute USDA donated foods to eligible outlets in the state.



Approve non-school outlets for participation.



Order USDA foods based on clients' requests and USDA foods offered.



Arrange transportation/storage and maintain accountability of USDA foods.



Divert USDA foods for emergency use after disasters or terrorism relief to assist state recovery operations.



Ensure that USDA donated food usage is in accordance with federal regulations.



Award state contracts to commercial food distributors to receive, store and distribute USDA foods to outlets specified by the department.



Expand opportunities for Virginia’s producers and processors in the marketing of agricultural products to schools and institutions.

The service area is supported by the general fund and federal funds.

A statewide veterinary medicine regulatory program that prepares for, contains, and eradicates infectious and contagious diseases of Virginia’s livestock and poultry populations in order to enhance their national and international marketability and to increase the profit potential for the animal agriculture industry.



Services include:



Management of certain disease testing and animal inspection to ensure that livestock and poultry are free of diseases when they are sold or shipped;



Ensuring that livestock and poultry are appropriately identified and free of disease through continuous monitoring and testing at livestock markets and shows;



Coordination of livestock and poultry disease eradication programs; and



Outreach and technical assistance to producers and food animal veterinarians in support of the prevention of drug residues in food animals.

Promotes the economic growth and development of Virginia agriculture by protecting livestock and poultry from diseases, ensuring a safe and wholesome food supply, and protecting citizens from zoonotic diseases.

Authority: Title 3.2, Chapters 59 and 60, Code of Virginia.

Customer assistance: consult with livestock and poultry producers and veterinarians on foreign animal disease preparedness, regulatory animal health issues, and zoonotic diseases.



Inspection and enforcement: inspect livestock markets for compliance with relevant laws and regulations; conduct dealer inspections; monitor health certificates, both for imported and exported livestock; monitor equine events; monitor brucellosis and tuberculosis test results; assist with follow-up testing when necessary for brucellosis and tuberculosis.



Accreditation: accredit new veterinarians to assure they are knowledgeable of state and federal laws and regulations.



Investigations: perform foreign animal disease investigations when suspect cases are reported by producers or veterinarians.

The service area is supported by the general fund, some fee revenue, and federal cooperative agreement support for disease monitoring activities. 

The Regional Animal Health Laboratory System (RAHLS) consists of four regional animal health laboratories geographically distributed around the Commonwealth.



Diagnostic services provides necropsy (animal autopsy), diagnostic microbiology, dairy microbiology, parasitology, serology, molecular testing, histopathology, food safety testing, and water testing.



Customer service is enhanced by each facility being staffed with professional personnel to provide the highest quality of veterinary laboratory diagnostic services directly to the client.

The RAHLS assists the citizens of Virginia by providing veterinary and food safety diagnostic services that align with the agency’s mission of promoting the economic growth and development of Virginia agriculture.

Authority: Title 3.2, Chapter 59, Code of Virginia.

Animal Diagnostic Testing Services: The RAHLS offers diagnostic services to individual livestock and poultry producers, veterinary practitioners, companion animal owners and other state and local government entities. Some of these services are not available on a routine basis from any other source. Virginia livestock and poultry producers benefit by having convenient, economical, expert advice on contagious diseases, which can lead to losses through death and/or reduced productivity of animals. Non-agricultural residents of the Commonwealth benefit from the rapid diagnosis and control of diseases that can be transmitted to humans such as E. coli, Salmonellosis, Brucellosis, and Campylobacteriosis. In cooperation with the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (the human health counterpart to the RAHLS), the RAHLS facilitates the diagnosis of rabies by removing heads from suspect animals and submitting brain tissue from suspected cases on necropsy.

Animal Regulatory Program Testing Services: RAHLS also provides regulatory testing (Avian Influenza, brucellosis, swine pseudorabies, Johne’s disease, equine infectious anemia, etc.) so that producers can comply with state, federal and international requirements for sale or movement of animals and animal products. These tests perform an important surveillance function in the control of economically significant animal diseases and public health threats such as Exotic Newcastle Disease, Avian Influenza, Bovine Tuberculosis, Avian Mycoplasmosis, Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy, and Brucellosis. Because of increased trade requirements, these tests are becoming more important and more varied.

Food Safety Testing Services: Regulatory testing is performed in support of the program in the Office of Dairy and Foods that permits interstate shipment of milk produced in Virginia and assures an unadulterated milk supply. Testing services are provided for the Office of Meat and Poultry Services’ generic E. coli standard, required in state-inspected processing plants. Additional testing services are performed for the Office of Dairy and Foods and the Office of Meat and Poultry Services to certify water supplies. Because of current heightened concerns, food safety testing work is increasing in type and volume. For example, a steady increase in the number of small-scale cheese producers in the Commonwealth has led to a continued increase in regulatory food safety testing of cheese samples.

The service area is supported by the general fund and laboratory services fee revenue.  The fee structure is continually reviewed to ensure that rates are equitable and competitive. 

Products and services include:

-A statewide program that supports the proper care, husbandry and treatment of animals in Virginia;

-Conducts inspections of public and private animal shelter facilities in the Commonwealth; and

-Provides information and professional assistance on a statewide basis to diverse animal interest groups (e.g. agriculture industries, companion animal industries, wildlife and humane interest groups, etc.).

Works to ensure the humane treatment and care of all animals, including those in shelters, throughout the Commonwealth, which aligns with the mission of providing agricultural and consumer protection services.

Authority: Title 3.2, Chapter 65, Code of Virginia.

Customer assistance: provide information for local governing bodies regarding the Comprehensive Animal Care Laws and animal welfare; assist Animal Control Officers in investigations and offer technical advice regarding animal care; consult individuals with complaints relating to animal care and welfare laws; provide technical expertise to entities that train/certify Animal Control Officers.



Inspection and enforcement: inspect animal shelters to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations; maintain training records for Animal Control Officers; review plans for public animal shelter facilities; assist local Animal Control Officers with their investigations of complaints of animal care and/or cruelty; develop new training standards for Animal Control Officers and approve basic and continuing education courses for Animal Control Officers; establish approved methods and chemicals for humane euthanasia of animals; establish approved methods and chemicals for immobilization of animals.

The service area is supported by the general fund.

This activity provides a grading system that identifies product quality and condition, which is essential for effective and efficient marketing to occur. This program uniformly applies grade standards and specifications of quality that are accepted, understood and utilized by both buyers and sellers worldwide. The agency operates under agreements with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide commodity grading, inspection and official certification services; Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Auditing and Country of Origin retail surveillance. In addition, this activity is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Virginia Controlled Atmosphere Storage Law for apples.



The major service is inspection and official certification of product quality, according to USDA or Virginia grade standards, of fresh fruits, vegetables, peanuts, processed fruits and vegetables, grain, poultry, eggs, livestock, and other miscellaneous commodities for producers, shippers, processors, buyers, marketers, and other financially interested parties who request and pay for the service when needed. Other services include providing the official documentation required for export and official documentation required in settling claims or in legal proceedings.



Along with buyers and sellers who request grading services, all Virginia agriculture benefits from these services because industry constantly assesses the added value of graded versus non-graded products. Prices of non-graded products benefit from market value established by graded products. Trust in the agency's grading allows buyers to make bids through electronic auctions or otherwise buy without the necessity to travel to see the commodity. This attracts more buyers for more competitive bidding. Grading provides an incentive to produce higher quality products.

This service area directly aligns with the department's mission to promote economic growth and development of Virginia agriculture by enhancing the profitability of Virginia food, agricultural and forest products enterprises.

Authority: Title 3.2, Chapters 34, 43, 45, 46 and 47, Code of Virginia.

Inspection and official certification of product quality, according to national or Virginia grade standards, of the following: fresh fruits, vegetables, peanuts, processed fruits and vegetables, grain, poultry, eggs, livestock, and other miscellaneous commodities.

The service area is primarily supported through commodity grading fees and some general fund support.

This service area creates and administers regulations that foster an orderly state milk marketing environment to provide for a constantly available supply of milk production dedicated to fluid milk product for use by citizens in controlled markets.

This service area directly aligns with the department's mission of providing marketing and consumer protection through the provision of a constantly available source of a healthy and wholesome food source sufficient to satisfy the demands of the citizens of the Commonwealth.

Authority: Title 3.2, Chapter 32, Code of Virginia.

Establish and manage an annual milk production supply system that meets the need for fluid milk product  in controlled markets.



Establish and announce advanced monthly producer prices for delivered milk production. A monthly price for non-fluid milk products is also established and announced.



Review, audit, and apply established milk accounting standards to licensed distributors' monthly reports to calculate and communicate producer delivery values.



Review, analyze, and audit distributors' monthly reports to ascertain correctness and the need for adjustments and examine licensee records and business practices for compliance with regulations.



Investigate all complaints regarding compliance with regulations.



License all processors, distributors, producer-distributors, and retailers marketing fluid milk products in Virginia controlled markets.



License producers who produce and deliver raw milk to licensed processors supplying fluid milk products in Virginia controlled markets and account for licensed producer’s production.

The service area is supported by producer and processor assessments. 

Marketing Research includes Virginia Market News and Virginia Agricultural Statistics Services.



Virginia Market News Service collects and disseminates daily market prices and analyses to Virginia agricultural producers, processors, handlers, general agribusinesses, agriculture financial community, print and broadcast media, marketers, commercial market news services, consumers and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). These unbiased, third party reports assist each business and individual in making accurate, reliable sales and purchasing decisions. Virginia Market News Service operates under a cooperative agreement with USDA Agriculture Marketing Service Market News.



Virginia Agricultural Statistics Service issues official state forecasts and estimates of crops, livestock, poultry, dairy, prices, labor and other related items in cooperation with the USDA-National Statistics Service. This cooperative series of reports helps maintain an orderly association among the outputs, supply, and marketing sectors in Virginia’s agricultural community. The Virginia Agricultural Statistics Service is a joint cooperative federal and state program.



With the highly competitive global food and forest products arena, consistent market research and reporting is critical to better anticipate market shifts, enhance market segmentation from competitors, and position Virginia sources as preferred suppliers.

The service area aligns with the department's mission to enhance opportunities for the growth and profitability of the Virginia agriculture industry.

Collect daily information on Virginia prices of agricultural commodities.

Publish unbiased, third party reports and analyses that assist agricultural producers.

Assess current and future markets for Virginia products.

The service area is primarily supported by the general fund.

This service area locates, develops, maintains and expands local, regional, and global markets for Virginia food, agricultural, and forest products. Functions within the service area are separated between domestic and international marketing.

This service area directly aligns with the department's mission to promote economic growth and development of Virginia agriculture by enhancing the profitability of Virginia food, agricultural and forest products enterprises.

Authority: Chapter 3.2, Chapter 1, Code of Virginia.

Sales and marketing services to assist agricultural and forest products producers, food processors, and industry organizations by initiating sales leads and production area tours, developing new markets and packaging requirements, completing market analysis, participating and representing agricultural industries during trade shows, implementing retail and consumer promotions, distributing marketing information during presentations, providing administrative support to Commodity Boards, assisting with organic certification procedures, and cooperating with the Departments of Health and Aging on agricultural related consumer oriented grants. Activities cover conventional and organically produced products.

International marketing services to assist Virginia exporters in marketing their products overseas by organizing foreign trade missions, hosting buyer missions, participating in trade shows, providing first in class digital promotions, and monitoring trade policy issues. Through offices in Richmond and a network of local international consultants, valuable in-country assistance is provided to Virginia exporters.

Agriculture product promotion services that include advertising, trade show management, literature development, consumer and retail promotions to expand, find, and create markets for products.

The service area is supported primarily by the general fund.  The Appropriation Act includes language designating a portion of the funding for international marketing activities. 

This service area provides administrative oversight to 16 commodity boards, all of which are supervisory boards that serve the producers of apples, peanuts, potatoes, soybeans, corn, small grains, marine products, wine, pork, eggs, cattle, tobacco, sheep, horses, spirits, and cotton. The mission of the boards is to provide short and long term growth for their respective industries through strategic investment in research, marketing, and education programs. The supervisory boards were established when each industry requested legislation that enabled a producer referendum on the question of whether to establish the board and collect an assessment to fund the board. Most boards are totally self-supporting through these assessments.



The self-assessment concept of the boards provides funding for market development and/or promotion projects, research and education for the individual commodities. Each board has separate legislation with various limitations on assessment fund expenditures.



The Marine Products Board is funded via marine gear license fees. The Virginia Wine Board operates on a general fund appropriation linked to the liter tax on wine. Funds expended by the Wine Board are used for wine marketing, education, as well as enology and viticulture research.

This service area directly aligns with the department's mission to promote the economic growth and development of Virginia agriculture by enhancing the profitability of Virginia food, agricultural and forest products enterprises.

Authority: Title 3.2, Chapters 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 30, and 30.1, Code of Virginia.

Marketing/market development activities: product placement; sales calls/leads; special event planning and execution; sales seminar planning and execution; national and international trade show participation; special promotions planning and execution; media, public and customer relations; promotional brochure/directory development and distribution; and industry and producer relations efforts and events.



Research: commodity production improvement techniques; disease eradication; value-added product development; commodity transportation and handling; market research (manufacturing industry and consumer use/trends/preferences).



Education: producer, first handlers, wholesalers, distributors and consumers.

The Virginia Wine Board and the Virginia Spirits Board are supported by collections that are deposited to the general fund as part of the transfer from the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority. The general fund appropriation is transferred to a dedicated special fund in accordance with Appropriation Act language.

Economic development of the agricultural and forestry sectors and preservation of the State’s agricultural resources, specifically farmland.

The service area aligns directly with the Agency’s mission to promote economic growth and development of Virginia agriculture, encourage environmental stewardship and provide consumer protection.

Authority: Title 3.2, Chapter 2, Code of Virginia.

Agriculture and forestry development assists agriculture and forestry based enterprises at every stage of their business, from developing the concept to coordinating the grand opening. Project managers respond to requests for assistance from individuals and their partners in the economic and agricultural development community, helping clients navigate and make the most of local, state, and federal business assistance resources. The farmland preservation program assists in the preservation of Virginia's farmland by helping to fund and establish local purchase of development rights programs, educating the public about the importance of farmland preservation, and working with farmers, land preservation organizations, and local governments. The program also supports farm transition by managing the Farm Link program.

Funding for the purchase of development rights matching grant program is transferred administratively to the Farmland Preservation Fund in accordance with the Appropriation Act.

Provides financial assistance through the Governor's Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund to attract agriculture and forestry operations to locate or expand in Virginia. Funds are also used for local government agribusiness economic development planning activities and investments in local food and farming infrastructure.

The service area aligns directly with the agency's mission to promote economic growth and development of Virginia agriculture, encourage environmental stewardship and provide consumer protection.

Authority: Title 3.2, Chapter 3.1, Code of Virginia.

The Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund is an important tool to encourage the growth of agribusinesses in Virginia.  Investments increase employment, local tax base, and use of Virginia agricultural products.  The department is responsible for sharing information about the fund with political subdivisions and agribusinesses, preparing project summaries and return on investment calculations, and issuing biannual reports and other documents as needed to administer the program.

The general fund appropriation for facility and planning grants is transferred to the Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund in accordance with the Appropriation Act.

Regulatory pest control seeks to ensure the availability of pest-free nursery stock through annual licensing and inspection of Virginia nursery growers and dealers. This service area also prevents the establishment or slows the spread of plant pests in the state. The number of exotic plant pests threatening establishment in the Commonwealth such as fire ant, cotton boll weevil, sudden oak death disease, thousand cankers disease, Asian longhorned beetle, gypsy moth, Africanized honey bee, small hive beetle, spotted lanternfly, and giant hogweed continues to increase. Eradication and management techniques continue to prevent widespread infestation levels across the state.



Pest-free certification enhances the marketability of Virginia's agricultural and forestry commodities by providing phytosanitary inspection and certification for export to other states and countries.



Threatened and endangered species are protected through review of environmental assessments and coordination of strategies to ensure the continued protection of state threatened or endangered plant and insect species. This service area also provides licensing of Virginia ginseng dealers and inspects/certifies ginseng to allow its sale and export.

Apiary assistance includes inspection of honey bee colonies for disease and overall health in order to ensure the adequate pollination of crops and the safe interstate movement of colonies. This service area assists fruit and vegetable growers in locating pollination sources and conducts outreach efforts to educate the public on the benefits of honey bee pollination to Virginia’s production of food crops.  This service area also provides beehive equipment to individuals in an effort to increase the number of honey bee hives in Virginia.

Wildlife damage management is provided to reduce the impact of coyote, black vulture, and other wildlife that pose a danger to agricultural animals by providing funding to support control efforts in Virginia.

Administer the Virginia Industrial Hemp Program to provide opportunities for individuals interested in growing, dealing in, or processing industrial hemp.

This service area directly aligns with the department's mission of promoting the economic growth and development of Virginia agriculture, providing consumer protection, and encouraging environmental stewardship.

Authority: Title 3.2, Chapters 7, 8, 10, 28, 38, 41.1, 44, and 59; Title 15.2, Chapter 9, Code of Virginia.

This service area protects the agricultural, horticultural, and natural resource interests of the Commonwealth. Services include:



Preventing the introduction, establishment, or slowing the spread of plant pests and noxious weeds.

Reducing the environmental effects and impact on consumers of injurious pests including insects, plant diseases, and weeds.

Enhancing the marketability of Virginia's agricultural commodities through pest-free certification of products for interstate and international trade.

Protecting existing plant and insect populations considered threatened or endangered.

Promoting beekeeping to ensure Virginia's growers have access to adequate supplies of healthy pollinators.

Reducing the impact of coyote populations and other wildlife on agricultural animals by providing funding to support wildlife management efforts.

Administering the Virginia Industrial Hemp Program.

The service area is supported by a variety of funding sources, including the general fund, federal funds, and fee revenue.

This service area coordinates emergency plans, training, and exercises within the agency and with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM), and it serves as the department's point of contact for VDEM.  Other activities include coordinating Emergency Support Function (ESF) 11, representing the agency on panels, working groups and committees addressing emergency management, and coordinating with divisions and offices to identify planning and resources required to enhance food and agriculture disaster prevention, mitigation, response and recovery efforts.

This service area directly aligns with the department's mission of promoting economic growth and development of Virginia agriculture, encouraging environmental stewardship and providing consumer protection. A prepared response to emergencies and disasters of all kinds mitigates the economic impact, facilitates a rapid recovery, and appropriately addresses environmental concerns.

Authority: Title 3.2, Chapter 5, Code of Virginia.

Emergency Coordination Officer and ESF 11: Coordinates interactions with VDEM regarding emergency preparedness, response, and recovery. Leads the ESF 11 team at Virginia’s Emergency Operations Center. Develops plans for emergency pet sheltering in conjunction with State-Coordinated Regional Shelters.

Emergency Response Training and Exercises: Coordinates with VDACS divisions and offices to identify and prioritize resources, training and exercises required to enhance food and agriculture disaster prevention, mitigation, response and recovery efforts.



Emergency Response Plans: Plans are coordinated and revised to respond to agency emergency responsibilities to provide: continuity of operations, animal/zoonotic disease, or plant pest infestation response and food safety services.

This service area protects consumers from fraud, deception, and illegal practices in the marketplace though administrative oversight of regulatory programs.

This service area directly aligns with the department's mission of providing consumer protection.

Authority: Title 3.2 Chapter 55.1; Title 57, Chapter 5; Title 59.1, Chapters 24, 25, 25.1, 33.1, 34, 34.1, 36, and 51 Code of Virginia.

Regulatory oversight: This service area regulates charitable solicitations, credit services businesses, extended service contracts, health clubs, membership campgrounds, sellers of legal services plans, travel clubs, fantasy contest operators, home service contract providers, and transporters of waste kitchen grease. This service area provides entity registration, investigation of complaints and management of related sureties. The number of regulants has remained steady in some areas, and increased in others, regardless of the economic environment.

The service area is primarily supported through regulatory fees.

The administration of both the Grain Handler Law and the Grain Dealer Licensing and Bonding Law aid in the sale and purchasing of grain produced in Virginia.

All grain is weighed and the vast majority is graded pursuant to the regulations set forth by the Grain laws. This ensures that both buyer and seller have grain that is of a known weight and grade as the basis for their transaction.



The grain law program also helps to assure that Virginia's farmers are promptly and properly paid for their grain through the enforcement of the Grain Dealers Licensing and Bonding Law. This law requires that a grain dealer be properly bonded with a surety and licensed with the Commonwealth of Virginia. It also requires the dealer to keep all grain transaction records for reviewing. In the case of dealer default, injured parties would have financial recourse against a dealer's bond or letter of credit.



With grain being grown in nearly every county of the Commonwealth and covering over a million acres, this grain law program has played a very important role in the orderly and efficient marketing of Virginia grain and in the financial protection of Virginia's grain farmers.

Aligns with the departmental goal to provide agricultural and consumer protection services which support economic growth and meet consumer needs.

Authority: Title 3.2, Chapter 43 and Chapter 47, Code of Virginia.

Register and license all grain handlers and dealers.

Visit all grain handlers and dealers.



Review receipting and grading practices and procedures.



Inspect grain testing equipment for accuracy; condemn equipment out of tolerance; seal approved equipment; check grade grain samples; and mail results to producers.



Provide marketing and technical assistance to grain producers.



Plan and conduct grain grading workshops annually for growers, producers and processors.

This service area protects consumers from inaccurate measurement, fraud, deception, and illegal practices in the marketplace. Services include:

Inspection and testing of weighing and measuring devices.

Verification of accurate weight for packaged commodities.

Inspection of point of sale systems.

Enforcement of motor fuel quality standards.

Calibration of measurement standards used by government and industry within the Commonwealth.

Investigation or referral of consumer complaints.

Licensing, permitting, and registration of businesses, individuals, and products.

This service area directly aligns with the department's mission of providing consumer protection.

Authority: Title 3.2, Chapters 56, 57, and 58, Title 59.1, Chapter 12, Code of Virginia.

Inspection and testing of weighing and measuring devices: These inspections are conducted statewide at a variety of locations, including retail fuel stations, retail stores, building supplies and hardware stores, distribution facilities, and manufacturing facilities.

Enforcement of motor fuel quality standards: This activity ensures that quality petroleum products are being sold and that inferior products are removed from the retail market through the testing and analysis of motor fuels and the investigation of related consumer complaints.

Verification of weight for packaged commodities: These inspections are conducted at retail stores throughout the state to ensure that packaged commodities are sold at the weight posted on the label or sign.

Inspection of point of sale systems: Inspection of the price listed and the price charged at the register to prevent faulty advertising and price listings.

Calibration of measurement standards: This function involves the operation of the Metrology Laboratory and the calibration of standards used in the weights and measures inspection program. The laboratory provides traceability to national standards for measurements of mass, volume, length, temperature and frequency. The laboratory also provides measurement calibration for other government agencies and manufacturers seeking to comply with ISO 9000 standards and other quality programs that need the traceability to national standards.  Local law enforcement agencies rely on the laboratory for the certification of tuning forks used to calibrate radar units. Demand for this service should remain constant.



Complaint investigation and referral: This function involves the investigation of consumer complaints related to measurement, price advertising, and motor fuel quality. Investigations may involve the accuracy of weights or measures, advertisement, method of sale, or services. Complaints may also allege unfair, deceptive or illegal business practices. The number of complaints is influenced by state of the economy, introduction of new consumer products and technologies, weather, etc. Demand for investigation varies with fuel prices.



Licensing, permitting, and registration: This service area protects customers from unscrupulous business activities, protects the assets of agricultural producers, and regulates the activities of individuals involved in sales, installation, repair, and operation of weighing and measuring devices. Demand for this service has increased concurrently with increases in population.

The service area is primarily supported by the general fund.

This service area enforces the Virginia Food and Drink Law and the Produce Safety Law to protect the health and safety of citizens by ensuring that these foods are safe, wholesome, properly labeled and fit for human consumption, and that produce grown on farms is safely produced and in compliance with the FDA Produce Safety Rule (21 CFR Part 112).



Services include:

• Inspecting food manufacturing, food processing, food storage and retail food sales facilities for compliance with the Virginia Food Laws as well as all associated regulations to address general sanitary conditions and procedures, foodborne illness risk factors, employee food-handling practices, labeling issues and other factors relating to economic deception.


• Inspecting establishments that manufacture, store or sell dietary supplements to ensure sanitary conditions in those establishments as well as to affirm that dietary supplements reviewed are safe and properly labeled.


• Collecting food samples during inspections of and visits to food establishments in order to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.


• Investigating consumer complaints relating to sanitation of food establishments and suspect food products purchased or consumed.


• Addressing possible food contamination arising from fires, floods, hurricanes, power outages, vehicle wrecks, terrorist events, and other food related emergencies when and where the need arises.


• Providing advice, assistance and educational consultations to the food industry and to consumers relative to the requirements of the Virginia Food Laws and all associated regulations.


• Contributing to the economic development of Virginia’s food industry by providing an environment where all food related establishments can compete equitably.


• Developing regulations to establish minimum sanitary and operating requirements for the operation of all food handling and storage facilities on an ongoing basis.


• Conducting foodborne illness investigations and traceback activities in order to determine the sources of contamination leading to foodborne illness outbreaks.


• Building a produce farm inventory database, conducting inspections on covered produce farms, and sharing data with the FDA as required.


• Establishing a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Virginia Tech to provide outreach to the farming community, including education through Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) courses and training regarding compliance with the FDA Produce Safety Rule, and conducting on-farm readiness reviews (OFRRs) as needed or requested.    


• Conducting outreach through conference presentations, publications, videos, and articles and disseminate information about the Produce Safety Rule and implementation in Virginia to key stakeholders.


• Inspecting large, small, and very small covered farms to determine compliance with the FDA Produce Safety Rule and the Code of Virginia Title 3.2, Chapter 51.1.


• Seizing and/or destroying covered produce when necessary to protect public health.

The services provided by this program support the agency’s mission by promoting the economic growth of Virginia’s food and produce industries and by providing consumer protection by ensuring a safe and wholesome food supply.

Authority: Title 3.2, Chapter 51 and Chapter 51.1, Code of Virginia.

Provide regulatory oversight of food establishments via inspections, samples, and complaint investigations. Provide educational and consultative services to consumers, as well as new and existing food businesses, who desire information relative to the requirements of the Virginia Food Laws and associated regulations. Inspect covered produce farms to ensure compliance with the federal Produce Safety Rule.  Provide educational and consultative services to food establishments and farmers.

Inspection and enforcement: Thorough and consistent inspection and enforcement of the Virginia Food Laws and associated regulations addressing sanitary conditions and practices are conducted within food establishments throughout the Commonwealth to ensure that food products are properly handled, processed, packaged, stored and transported. Thorough and consistent inspection and enforcement of the FDA Produce Safety Rule (21 CFR Part 112) and the Code of Virginia Title 3.2, Chapter 51.1, addressing the growing, packing, holding, and dissemination of produce grown on farms in the Commonwealth are conducted. Food samples are collected regularly as a result of inspectional findings and as an ongoing process to monitor the food supply to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Consumer complaints relating to alleged food-borne illness, adulteration of food products, labeling and advertising concerns, and establishment sanitation concerns are received and investigated annually. Dietary supplements are examined frequently and determinations are made relative to product safety, proper labeling, as well as health (structure/function) claims. Foodborne illness investigations and food traceback activities are conducted to determine possible sources of contamination of food products, which have led to foodborne illness outbreaks. Recall audit checks are performed to ensure the effectiveness of food product recalls designed to remove defective foods from consumers and the channels of commerce.

The program is supported by the general fund, federal grants, and a $40 fee paid by each food establishment.

The meat and poultry inspection program protects the safety of citizens by ensuring the production of safe, wholesome, and truthfully labeled meat and poultry products, as well as humane treatment of the animals that are slaughtered.



Services include:

 

• Performing ante- and post-mortem slaughter inspection for consumer protection and to assist in assessing the disease status of the production animal population.


• Sanitary inspections of slaughter and processing facilities.


• Assessment and evaluation of plant Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point Programs (HACCP) to control and ensure the safety of production processes.


• Certification services provided to processors seeking to export products.


• Assisting prospective plant operators to obtain custom permits or grants of inspection.


• Performing in-commerence surveillance activities of meat and poultry products sold in Virginia.

These services support the agency’s mission by promoting the economic growth of Virginia’s food industry and by providing consumer protection by ensuring a safe and wholesome food supply.

Authority: Title 3.2, Chapter 54, Code of Virginia.

Inspection of animals: Ante- and post-mortem inspection is performed on all animals presented for slaughter at inspected facilities. This inspection is required if the resulting product will be offered for sale. Small farmers have expressed an increasing interest in marketing their own products.



Inspection of facilities and production process: Both slaughter and processing plants must have acceptable written plans for sanitation and processing of products. The acceptability of the written plans, the ability of the plant operator to follow the written plan and the condition of the facilities are all subject to continuing inspection. This inspection is required for wholesale sales.



Customer Service: Technical assistance is provided to persons wanting to enter the meat and poultry industry to help acquaint them with the legal requirements. Certification is provided when plant operators must meet export requirements. Oversight and technical assistance and information is provided to custom exempt plants.

Surveillance: Provides consumer protection through enforcement of a comprehensive system of inspection laws and regulations designed to provide and maintain a safe, unadulterated, wholesome, and accurately labeled meat and poultry supply.

The program is funded through a cooperative agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture.  Under the agreement, the state must operate an inspection program at least equal to that of the federal government.

Dairy Services protects the health and safety of citizens in Virginia by ensuring that milk, ice cream and frozen desserts, cheese, butter, and other dairy products are safe, wholesome, and fit for human consumption.



Services include:

•Issuing permits necessary to operate dairy farms, dairy processing plants, and frozen dessert manufacturer facilities.

•Inspecting Grade A or Manufactured Grade dairy farms, Contract Milk Haulers, Milk Pickup Haulers permitted to weigh and sample milk, milk tank trucks, plants processing manufactured grade milk, frozen desserts plants, and Grade A milk truck wash stations for compliance with the Virginia Dairy Laws and associated regulations.

•Collecting and testing milk and milk product samples to determine compliance with quality standards.

•Reviewing equipment plans and facilities and provide consultative services to recommend improvement and alternatives to equipment, building design, and construction materials.

•Providing direct services to clients by assisting them in identifying corrective actions necessary to comply with milk and dairy product quality standards.

The services provided by this program support the agency’s mission by providing assistance to comply with regulatory requirements and providing a uniform inspection and enforcement system to promote a level playing field on which industry may compete while simultaneously ensuring food safety for Virginia citizens.

Authority: Title 3.2, Chapter 52, Code of Virginia.

Inspection and enforcement: Uniform inspection and enforcement activities are conducted on facilities statewide to ensure milk and dairy products are properly handled, processed, packaged, stored and transported in a safe manner and to ensure a level playing field on which businesses may compete. Inspections also provide a basis for compliance with the Interstate Milk Shipper rating, which allows listed shippers to ship milk and dairy products in interstate commerce.



Regulation development: Provide Grade “A” dairy regulations that are consistent with the "Pasteurized Milk Ordinance" and the National Conference on Interstate Milk Shipment requirements to ensure Virginia dairy farmers and processors have the ability to ship Grade “A” milk and dairy products in interstate commerce. Provide manufactured milk regulations consistent with United States Department of Agriculture recommendations to govern the production of manufactured grade milk and dairy products (butter, cheese, condensed milk, and powdered milk) so that only safe and wholesome dairy products are offered for sale. Provide milk hauling, measuring, sampling, and testing regulations to ensure milk is sampled and transported in ways that prevent adulteration and maintain its quality. Provide regulations governing the methods by which milk and dairy products are tested for pay purposes to ensure accurate payment to dairy farmers. Provide regulations governing the production of ice cream, frozen desserts, and similar products to ensure their safety and quality.



Economic Development: Provide advice and assistance to dairy farmers, milk plants, and dairy product processors to foster the quality of their products and their ultimate success. Provide a uniform regulatory environment and level playing field on which businesses may compete.

The program is supported by the general fund.

This service area provides regulatory oversight of the production, sale, and use of pesticides in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Services include:

• Certification of pesticide applicators and training assistance


• Registration of pesticide products


• Licensing of pesticide businesses


• Administration of the provisions of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act.


• Coordinating the disposal of unwanted pesticides and the recycling of pesticide containers


• Educating Virginians about safe pesticide practices

This service area directly aligns with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' mission of promoting the economic growth and development of Virginia agriculture, providing consumer protection, and encouraging environmental stewardship.

Authority: Title 3.2, Chapter 39, Code of Virginia.

Applicator certification: This service area certifies individuals wishing to become pesticide applicators. The testing process relies extensively on computer-based exams available at all Department of Motor Vehicles customer service centers throughout the Commonwealth.

Registration of pesticides: This service area registers pesticide products intended for sale and use in Virginia. The service area also processes requests for special registrations including special local needs, emergency exemptions, and experimental use permits, through the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Business licensing: This service area licenses pesticide businesses in order to ensure the proper sale, distribution, and application pesticides.

Applicator training: In conjunction with the Virginia Cooperative Extension and private industry, this service area develops training and recertification courses for pesticide applicators.

Enforcement: This service area conducts application firm, producer establishment, and marketplace inspections; and investigates consumer complaints involving pesticides.

Education: Participates in outreach and educational opportunities for the general public focusing on the proper use of pesticides.

The program is supported by the Pesticide Control Fund and federal grants.

This service area protects consumers from inferior products, fraud, deception, and illegal practices in the marketplace. Services include:

•Inspection and testing of feed, seed, animal remedies, fertilizer and liming materials 

•Operation of the seed program including the seed laboratory

•Inspection of manufacturing facilities and processes

•Investigation or referral of consumer complaints

•Licensing and bonding of businesses buying fruits and vegetables

This service area directly aligns with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ mission of providing consumer protection.

Authority: Title 3.2, Chapters 36, 37, 40, 47, 48, and 49.

Registration of commercial feed, animal remedies, seed, fertilizer, and liming materials: The service area inspects retailers of agriculturally related products and retrieves samples of feed, seed, fertilizer and liming materials for testing to ensure that farmers and consumers receive truthfully labeled products. Inspection of commercial feed mills ensure that these products are manufactured and stored in a manner that prevents contamination and degradation. Manufacturing processes are also evaluated to measure compliance with the Current Good Manufacturing Practices program.

Administration of the Virginia Seed Law: This service area seeks to ensure that seed sold in Virginia meets federal and state requirements for purity, germination, kind, and variety.  In addition, staff in the Seed Analysis Laboratory inspect seed for the presence of prohibited noxious weed seeds that could threaten Virginia’s agriculture and the environment.

Licensing and bonding: This service area seeks to protect the assets of agricultural producers from unscrupulous business activities of dealers who buy and sell fruits or vegetables.

Complaint investigation and referral: This service area investigates all consumer complaints related to agricultural inputs, including animal illness or death or crop failures as well as unfair, deceptive, or illegal business practices.

The program is supported by the general fund and license and fee revenue.

This service area promotes the integrity of charitable gaming activities in the Commonwealth. Services include:

• Registration and authorization of organizations that conduct charitable gaming, bingo callers, bingo managers, charitable gaming suppliers, Texas Hold’em operators, and manufacturers of electronic gaming systems.


• Inspection and training of organizations and individuals involved in charitable gaming.


• Auditing of charitable gaming organizations, operators, suppliers, and manufacturers of electronic gaming to ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, including financial reporting and use-of-proceeds.


• Investigation of consumer complaints and violations of gaming statute and regulations.

This service area directly aligns with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' mission of providing consumer protection.

Authority: Title 2.2, Chapter 24; Title 18.2, Chapter 8, Code of Virginia.

Registration: This service area permits charitable gaming organizations, licenses manufacturers of electronic gaming systems, network bingo providers and suppliers, and registers bingo managers and bingo callers.



Inspection: This service area conducts on-site inspections of charitable gaming organizations and provides training for charitable gaming organizations regarding the conduct of gaming.



Audit: This service area conducts audits and financial reviews of charitable gaming organizations and conducts compliance reviews of charitable gaming manufacturers of electronic pull-tab systems and suppliers.



Investigation: This service area investigates citizen complaints and alleged violations of the charitable gaming statute or regulations.

The program is supported by the general fund.  Audit, administrative, and permit fees are deposited to the general fund, in accordance with the Appropriation Act.

This service area includes the Commissioner’s Office and other support offices that work with the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, and staff to provide the executive direction and philosophy for the operation of the department and to support the programs, initiatives, and direction of the Governor’s Office and the Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry. In cooperation with the Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, the Commissioner's Office serves as the liaison with the Virginia congressional delegation, U.S. Congress, and federal agencies on matters affecting Virginia agriculture. It also provides assistance to the Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry in the development of agricultural and consumer protection policy. Specific component offices within the Commissioner's Office include the Human Resource Office; Office of Internal Audit; Office of Communications; and the Office of Policy, Planning, and Research.

The service area also provides administrative and support services of a technical nature to all programs of the agency and works with the Commissioner's Office to ensure agency operations are conducted in compliance with state law, policy, and guidance from the Governor’s Office and the Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry. These services are provided through the Office of Administrative and Financial Services, which includes these offices: Budget, Finance, Facilities Management and Capital Outlay, Purchasing and Support Services, and Information Systems.

In order to most efficiently manage expenditures for the department, the agency budgets for certain expenses centrally. Expenses budgeted in this service area include facility operation and maintenance; insurances; telecommunications; program, laboratory, and general office supplies; postage; rent; financial systems charges; and computer systems (including payments to the Virginia Information Technologies Agency).

This service area includes the positions and related resources for the division director’s offices in the agency’s four program divisions – Animal and Food Industry Services, Consumer Protection, Commodity Services, and Marketing. Because the division directors provide general management and direction to all of the programs in each division (involving a significant amount of administrative work), the expenses of the offices are budgeted in this service area as opposed to being prorated among the related service areas.

Executive direction and administrative support is given to the operational divisions to provide them with a framework and the necessary resources to meet the agency’s mission. The Agricultural Stewardship Act Program within the Office of Policy, Planning, and Research is directly involved in environmental stewardship.

Authority: Title 3.2, Chapters 1, 4, 5, 6, and 29; Code of Virginia.

Executive direction and philosophy for the operation of the Department.

Publications, news releases, print media, and broadcast media to increase public awareness of agency programs and services.

Human resource services to the agency, including recruitment and selection, classification and compensation, employee benefits, employee relations, employee development and training, and equal employment opportunity.

Audit and consulting services for agency management and operational areas.

Analyses of current and proposed state and federal laws, policies, programs, and regulations related to agriculture and consumer protection for both internal and external stakeholders.

Review and promulgation of state regulations pertaining to agriculture and consumer protection in accordance with the requirements of the Administrative Process Act and the Governor’s Executive Order pertaining to the development and review of state agency regulations.

Response to citizens' requests to the agency for information pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.

Direction and coordination of the activities of the Division of Animal and Food Industry Services and the State Veterinarian's Office, the Division of Consumer Protection, the Division of Commodity Services, and the Division of Marketing.

Support services provided to agency operational areas that include: budgeting; financial accounting, processing and reporting; capital outlay and facilities management; information systems; purchasing; support services (mail room, print shop, fleet management, shipping and receiving, records management, and telecommunications); and emergency services.

Development of and interpretation agency policies and procedures to ensure compliance with statewide policies, regulations, and procedures.

Liaison services between the agency and central agencies (Department of Planning and Budget, Department of Accounts, Virginia Information Technologies Agency, Department of General Services, Department of Human Resource Management, Virginia Retirement System, and Virginia Department of Emergency Management).

Process and respond to complaints to the agency under the Agricultural Stewardship Act.