Virginia Evergreen Winter 2018

artificial tree, which has three times the amount of impact on climate change and resource de- pletion when compared to a real tree. 1  Real Christmas trees are biode- gradable; they can be recycled or reused for mulch.  Most artificial Christmas trees are thrown away seven to ten years after they’re purchased and will then sit in a landfill lit- erally for centuries. Buying real Christmas trees pro- vides business for farmers.  Real Christmas Trees are a real crop, farmer-planted and hand-har- vested specifically for people to en- joy.  100% of real Christmas trees sold in the U.S. are grown in North America (naturally). Selecting a real Christmas tree makes memories for families and friends.  The hunt for a Christmas tree creates an experience that can’t be manufactured.  Everything from the scent to the search is an experience that no artifi- cial tree can replace. Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of an Artifi- cial Christmas Tree and a Natural Christmas Tree ; Ellipsos, Montreal, Quebec, 2009; pages 6 & 8.

“The General Assembly changed the penalty structure for second and sub- sequent offenses to a rigid $250 fine,” Smith said. As before, the law allows for a fine of up to $250 for a first offense. The change requires that the second or subsequent viola- tion be punishable by a $250 fine. Farm Bureau offers its members re- sources to clarify what qualifies as a farm use vehicle, as well as a form to make it easy to keep a list of farm lo- cations in a vehicle. These resources can be found at https://www.vafb.com/membership- at-work/farmers-in-action/legisla- tive/resources June 29, 2017 / Virginia Farm Bureau Plows And Politics, Andrew Smith, Sr. Assistant Director

News - Amendments to ‘Farm Use’ Laws Took Effect July 1 Changes to existing laws regulating unlicensed farm vehicles on Vir- ginia’s highways went into effect July 1.

Virginia lawmakers created what’s called the “farm use” designation for farmers who use unlicensed vehicles for specific purposes such as planting and harvesting crops and transporting farm products to market. Most farm- ers show the designation by using a special farm use placard on their ve- hicles. Andrew Smith, senior assistant direc- tor of governmental relations for Vir- ginia Farm Bureau Federation, em- phasized how important it is for valid users of farm use tags to understand two changes in the laws this year so they can be in compliance. “One amendment allows farm use vehicles to go a little farther, a dis- tance of up to 75 miles . Previously, the law allowed travel up to 50 miles,” Smith explained. In addition, the updated law now re- quires operators to be prepared to supply the location of their farm or farms to law enforcement officials. Any officer may request the address of the lands used by a vehicle’s owner for agricultural purposes or, if the address is not known, the real property parcel identification number of the land. The other law that will take effect in July stiffens penalties in an attempt to reduce abuse of current farm use pol- icies and guidelines.

Save The Date! August 9-11, 2018 VCTGA Annual Conference and Farm Tour

s Journal – Winter 2018 

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VCTGA News Journal ‒ Winter 2018