A group of Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences students visited Washington, DC today for National Agriculture Day. While on Capitol Hill, they had the chance to speak with Senator Warner about how to encourage the next generation of Virginia growers and producers.

Senator Warner applauded the students for their decision to study agriculture, an industry which provides over 357,000 Virginia jobs a year.

“Virginia’s agricultural industry depends on young adults like you who are studying agricultural science and agribusiness,” Senator Warner said. “We need young growers and producers to keep the Commonwealth’s economic engine running.”

Senator Warner also talked about the need for continued access to great agriculture educational and leadership programs like 4-H and Future Farmers of America.

“I’m proud that the 2014 Farm Bill included strong funding for the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program, which helps to train and educate beginning producers and growers” Senator Warner said.