NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Virginia representatives will join nearly 7,000 Farm Bureau members from across the nation in shaping policies important to farmers and ranchers Jan. 5-10 at the 2018 American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Convention in Nashville.

Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s seven voting delegates and two alternates will join their peers in formulating policies related to biotechnology; food safety and labeling; immigration reform; comprehensive U.S. energy policy; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency mandates on water and air quality; and the 2018 Farm Bill.

“The issues discussed at convention are issues of deep importance to U.S. farmers and ranchers that will potentially affect all of us. It is vital that Virginia representatives attend the convention and participate in the discussion regarding those policies,” noted VFBF President Wayne F. Pryor. “We rely on American Farm Bureau to represent our interests in Congress, so it’s important for our voices to be heard.”

Farmers attending this year’s convention also will have the opportunity to support Virginia’s Young Farmer award winners. Winners of the VFBF Young Farmers Achievement Award, Discussion Meet and Excellence in Agriculture Award will compete during the convention.

The Virginia competitors are Justin and Lori McClellan of Smyth County, who won the Achievement Award; Amy Fannon of Lee County, who won the Discussion Meet; and Casey and Stacey Phillips of Montgomery County, who won the Excellence in Agriculture Award.

For more information about the AFBF convention, visit fb.org/events/afbf-annual-convention.

Media: Contact Sara Owens, VFBF communications, at 804-290-1133.