Brian Moran Lays out Vision on Agriculture

Speech is fourth in a series on future challenges
Leadership needed to protect farms and grow agricultural economy

HOT SPRINGS – House Democratic Caucus Chairman Brian Moran, a candidate for Governor, outlined his approach to agricultural policy in a speech today at the Virginia Farm Bureau’s annual convention. Moran highlighted his commitment to local agricultural production, agriculture research, global marketing of Virginia farm products, and energy-generating crops.

The speech was the fourth in a series of remarks in which Moran has outlined his experience, values and vision for the difficult challenges facing Virginia’s future. He has previously outlined his approaches to fiscal responsibility, environmental leadership and public safety.

“Virginia has the chance to lead the way toward a new energy future,” Moran said. “Biofuel crops are the equivalent of being able to grow fuel – to create a renewable resource that drives the 21st century economy in the same way that tobacco and other crops drove our economy in centuries past.”

Moran noted that Virginia’s agriculture and forestry industry is the single largest industry in Virginia, employing one out of every 10 Virginia workers and creating $79 billion in annual economic activity. “This is a success story that more Virginians need to know,” he said.

“We ought to be looking at ways to increase our opportunities to sell agriculture at home as well, with a better emphasis on buying local,” Moran said. “We’ve spent so much time figuring out how to get Virginia produce to market on the other side of the country that sometimes we forget that it’s easier to sell it on the other side of the county.”

The theme of this year’s conference is “Safe, Fresh and Locally Grown.”

Download the complete text of his remarks (pdf).