Virginia is geographically diverse in its land- scape, climate and agricultural regions. Agricultural commodities and forest products are produced in every country in the state— from major commodities like livestock and field grains to fresh fruits and vegetables and hundreds of specialty crops like clams and mushrooms. Williamsburg was the capital of the Virginia colony from 1699 to 1780, and early settlers grew crops and raised animals for food, practices that are demonstrated by re-enactors in the area. The city, together with Jamestown and Yorktown, form the “Historic Triangle.” Williamsburg is located on the Virginia Peninsula, in the northern part of Hampton Roads, and bordered by James City and York counties. The area is becoming more and more urbanized, but it is still home to more than 100 farms. Its rich, sandy soils are good for growing grains and fruits and vegetables, including sweet potatoes, squash, sweet corn, tomatoes, cantaloupes, pumpkins and watermelons. A small number of producers also raise beef cattle, dairy cows, hogs and chickens. Conditions also are good for growing grapes. Williamsburg Winery, one of the state’s largest vineyards and wineries, is located in James City County. Additionally, the greenhouse and nursery business is on the rise in nearby York County, which also is one of five Virginia localities in which collard greens are grown commercially. Virginia Farm Bureau Federation ® 2017 ANNUAL CONVENTION FACT SHEET The Patriot Room vafb.com/convention What? Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s 92nd Annual Convention Where? The Williamsburg Lodge When? Nov. 28-30, 2017 Why? To establish legislative policy for the 2018 General Assembly session; to elect directors; to honor award winners and share in the fellowship of Farm Bureau. Who? With 127,000 members in 88 county Farm Bureaus, the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation is Virginia’s largest farmers’ advocacy group. Farm Bureau is a non- governmental, nonpartisan organization committed to supporting Virginia’s agriculture industry and preserving the Virginia way of life. Ag and forestry contribute $91 billion annually to the state’s economy! Agriculture on the Virginia Peninsula ESEX SURRY YORK JAMES CITY CHARLES CITY NEW KENT GLOUCESTER ISLE OF WIGHT CHESAPEAKE NEWPORT NEWS SUFFOLK SOUTHAMPTON MATHEWS HAMPTON YORK More than 400,000 Virginians rely on the agriculture and forestry industries for their livelihoods. VFBF policies help protect the state’s largest industry.