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New agriculture and natural‑resources secretaries outline priorities for markets, conservation and workforce
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Summary
At a Senate ACNR hearing, Agriculture and Forestry Secretary Frazier and Natural and Historic Resources Secretary David Bulova outlined priorities including market access, working‑lands conservation, workforce development, permitting efficiency, and Chesapeake Bay restoration deadlines.
Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry K. Frazier and Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources David Bulova spoke to the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Committee on the new administration’s early priorities.
"We are committed to maintaining and growing our number 1 and number 3 private sector industries of agriculture and forestry," Secretary Frazier said, describing plans for a farm and forestry prosperity plan, strengthened market access and economic development, and incentives to preserve working lands. She said the administration will emphasize voluntary, incentive‑based conservation and partnerships with other secretariats and universities to support producers, especially young and beginning farmers.
Bulova outlined complementary aims for natural resources, saying the Commonwealth’s constitutional protections for clean air and water will be a guiding principle. He flagged permitting delays and staffing shortages as barriers and said the administration will pursue cost‑effective, durable solutions and greater use of technology to improve permitting and program delivery. Bulova highlighted the Chesapeake Bay watershed implementation plan and the July 2028 deadline, saying meeting those goals will require sustained investment in agricultural best‑management practices (BMP) cost‑share, wastewater upgrades, and the Stormwater Local Assistance Fund.
Both secretaries emphasized cross‑agency coordination. Frazier said the administration will invest in CTE and youth programs such as 4‑H and FFA to build the agricultural workforce. Bulova urged breaking down silos across secretariats and described plans to work with commerce, education and VDOT on issues ranging from habitat corridors to salt management during winter events.
The chair thanked the secretaries and invited technical engagement: Bulova encouraged legislators to consider agency staff and department heads as resources throughout the year. The committee received the remarks with applause and moved into its legislative docket.
