Governor Spanberger Stands Alongside Cattlemen Facing Rising Input Costs, Consequences of Trump Administration Plan to Undercut Virginia Beef

TROUTVILLE, VA - Governor Abigail Spanberger today hosted a roundtable to hear directly from Virginia cattlemen about challenges facing their operations - particularly in the wake of the Trump Administration's plan that goes into effect today to flood the market with more than 660 million pounds of foreign-produced ground beef subsidized by American taxpayers - while producers are contending with rising input costs due to federal tariff policies and the ongoing war in the Middle East.

At Williamson Farms - a family-owned farm in Botetourt, Governor Spanberger heard from local producers about the challenges facing their operations. The Governor and attendees also discussed how the Commonwealth can best support local cattle producers, processors, farmers, and food security - including through the record $300 million in new investments included in this year's bipartisan budget designed to support farmers and the long-term strength of the industry through agricultural best management practices, like rotational grazing.

"For generations, cattlemen have served as a backbone of our Commonwealth - keeping families fed and supporting local economies across Virginia," said Governor Abigail Spanberger. "Our Commonwealth is working to help farmers continue to succeed for years to come - regardless of the unpredictability out of Washington. I am deeply grateful to the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, Virginia Cattlemen's Association, the Virginia Farm Bureau, and everyone here today for sharing their concerns. Even more so as decisions in Washington are driving up your costs, I will continue to stand with the farmers, producers, and cattlemen who are essential to the strength and prosperity of our Commonwealth."

Governor Spanberger continued, "I will also continue to call on the Trump Administration to reconsider its disastrous policy decision and listen to the deep concerns of the more than 21,000 cattle producers who call Virginia home. This handout to foreign competitors - and threat to American food safety and security - is already causing a negative reaction in cattle markets while providing no guarantee of retail price relief for consumers."

During the roundtable, Governor Spanberger heard directly from cattlemen about the Trump Administration's plan to undercut Virginia producers by suspending tariffs on more than 660 million pounds of foreign-produced beef and sell it at 25 percent below the market rate - subsidized by taxpayers. Cattlemen also shared their concerns about rising input costs on fuel, fertilizer, and machinery driven in part by disruptive federal trade and foreign policy.

Cattlemen welcomed Governor Spanberger's support to build the cattle herd, work collaboratively to support Virginia processing and marketing through the Virginia Verified Beef program and the Governor's Agriculture & Forestry Industries Development Fund (AFID), and address the market challenges and drought impacts facing Virginia's producers. Last week, Governor Spanberger sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins voicing her strong opposition to the Trump Administration's proposed import plan. The Governor also warned of the devastating consequences this decision will have on Virginia's tens of thousands of beef cattle producers.

"Virginia's cattlemen are vital to the Commonwealth's agriculture industry, food affordability, and the overall economy," said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Katie Frazier. "I am proud to work with Governor Spanberger to listen to our cattlemen and make sure they receive the support they deserve. The ideas and feedback from the farmers we heard today will be fundamental as we finalize the Commonwealth's first-ever Farm and Forest Prosperity Plan and strengthen agriculture across Virginia."

Governor Spanberger and Secretary Frazier were joined by Delegate Sam Rasoul and representatives from across the beef industry, including National Cattlemen's Beef Association President Gene Copenhaver and local leaders.

"The great story of Virginia cattle producers is one of innovation and improvement," said National Cattlemen's Beef Association President Gene Copenhaver. "We are rooted in a proud history, but we're constantly moving forward. Thanks to Governor Spanberger for letting me and NCBA take part in this roundtable to continue to help move the Virginia Cattle Industry forward."

"Featuring more than 1.3 million head, Virginia's cattle industry is an economic powerhouse for the Commonwealth," said Virginia Cattlemen's Association Executive Director Brandon Reeves. "We appreciate Governor Spanberger's efforts to ensure our producers have the tools and support necessary to continue producing the high-quality beef consumers deserve. Truth in labeling has been our Association's top priority. Her support for the Virginia Verified Beef program along with signing the Misbranded Food legislation earlier this year show that her Administration is invested in cattle producers and the future of our industry. We look forward to continuing working closely with Governor Spanberger's team and our elected officials to navigate the many issues our producers face, including drought, high input costs, packing plant closures and harmful trade decisions."

"Virginia Farm Bureau thanks Governor Spanberger for hosting this event to listen to and show support for Virginia's beef producers," said Virginia Farm Bureau Federation President Scott Sink. "Our Commonwealth's beef industry has faced significant challenges this year, including high input costs, processing plant closures, drought and recent uncertainty surrounding increased foreign beef imports. Despite these challenges, Virginia's cattle producers have continued to improve the quality and sustainability of the beef they produce. Their commitment to innovation and stewardship has helped drive record consumer demand for beef products."

Earlier this year, Governor Spanberger signed into law a bipartisan bill to establish the first-ever Virginia Farm & Forest Prosperity Plan, which directs the Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry to develop and implement a comprehensive strategic roadmap focused on strengthening the agriculture and forestry industries in the Commonwealth. The Governor also signed legislation to protect Virginia's beef industry and consumers by requiring that products containing manufactured protein be clearly labeled and not misrepresented as real meat.

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