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2000 Session

Budget Amendments - HB30 (Member Request)

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Chief Patron: Bryant
Agricultural Vitality Program

Item 93 #1h

Item 93 #1h

First Year - FY2001 Second Year - FY2002
Commerce And Trade
Agriculture and Consumer Services, Department of FY2001 $20,000,000 FY2002 $20,000,000 GF
FY2001 1.00 FY2002 1.00 FTE

Language
Page 62, line 27, strike "$7,217,975" and insert "$27,217,975".
Page 62, line 27, strike "$7,245,812" and insert "$27,245,812".
Page 62, line 35, insert "A" before "All".
Page 62, after line 36, insert:
"B.1.  Out of the amounts for this Item, $20,000,000 the first year and $20,000,000 the second year from the general fund shall be provided to the Virginia Agricultural Vitality Program for: (1) developing standards for local Purchase of Development Rights programs; (2) certifying local programs for eligibility; (3) allocating funds to localities to purchase agricultural conservation easements; and (4) creating and administering the Virginia Farm Link program.
2.  The Farm Link program shall provide state assistance in the transition of farm businesses and properties from retiring farmers to active farmers.  This assistance includes the preparation of business plans for the transition of business interests; matching of existing properties and agricultural operations to buyers; information on innovative techniques and methods; and advice and research assistance on agricultural, financial, marketing, and other matters."


Explanation
(This amendment provides $40.0 million and 1 position to develop and implement the Virginia Agricultural Vitality Program. The program's intent is to keep small farmers in business and agricultural lands in production.)