Changes have seen Alliance President and Chief Executive Officer Kay Johnson Smith's move to the Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services, as appointed by Govenor Terry McAuliffe.

“As a native Virginian and longtime resident of Arlington County, it’s truly an honor to represent Virginia’s 8th Congressional District in this capacity,” said Johnson Smith.

“While this region of the Commonwealth does not have commercial farms, agriculture and food production are of great interest to the residents here. Farmers markets operate weekly in numerous neighborhoods, many residents grow their own vegetables in community gardens and issues such as backyard hens are frequently debated in local politics.”

The Virginia General Assembly authorised the formation of the first Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services on 5 March, 1888. Johnson Smith will join the ten other citizen members, appointed by the Governor, and two at-large members on the Board.

“With more than 25 years of working in agriculture promotion, marketing, policy and education, I hope my passion and experience will help agriculture continue to grow in the Commonwealth.”

The Board’s primary responsibility is to promote the agricultural interests of Virginia by advising the Governor on the state of the Virginia agriculture industry and working with state and federal agencies to implement programs that will strengthen agriculture in the Commonwealth.