{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/3.2-102.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/3.2-102.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/3.2-102.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/3.2-102.html"}],"law_id":69296,"edition_id":1,"section_id":69296,"structure_id":14451,"section_number":"3.2-102","catch_line":"General powers and duties of the Commissioner","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7\u00a7 3-7, 3-9, 3-13; 1966, c. 702, \u00a7\u00a7 3.1-8, 3.1-10, 3.1-14; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 34; 1975, c. 260; 1977, c. 186; 1978, cc. 219, 540; 1982, c. 150; 1985, c. 397; 1993, c. 455; 1994, cc. 261, 370; 1995, c. 10; 1996, c. 996; 2005, c. 633; 2007, cc. 352, 870, 932, \u00a7\u00a7 3.1-14.4, 3.1-14.01; 2008, c. 860; 2012, cc. 803, 835; 2020, cc. 1113, 1114; 2022, cc. 554, 609; 2023, cc. 597, 765, 796; 2024, cc. 10, 146.","full_text":"A\n\nThe Commissioner shall be vested with the powers and duties set out in § 2.2-601, the powers and duties herein provided, and such other powers and duties as may be prescribed by law, including those prescribed in Title 59.1. He shall be the executive officer of the Board, and shall see that its orders are carried out. He shall see to the proper execution of laws relating to the Department. Unless the Governor expressly reserves such power to himself, the Commissioner shall promote, protect, and develop the agricultural interests of the Commonwealth. The Commissioner shall develop, implement, and maintain programs within the Department including those that promote the development and marketing of the Commonwealth’s agricultural products in domestic and international markets, including promotions, market development and research, marketing assistance, market information, and product grading and certification; promote the creation of new agribusiness including new crops, biotechnology and new uses of agricultural products, and the expansion of existing agribusiness within the Commonwealth; develop, promote, and maintain consumer protection programs that protect the safety and quality of the Commonwealth’s food supply through food and dairy inspection activities, industry and consumer education, and information on food safety; work with other state agencies to preserve the Commonwealth’s agricultural lands; ensure animal health and protect the Commonwealth’s livestock industries through disease control and surveillance, maintaining animal health diagnostic laboratories, and encouraging the humane treatment and care of animals; protect public health and the environment through regulation and proper handling of pesticides, agricultural stewardship, and protection of endangered plant and insect species; protect crop and plant health and productivity; ensure consumer protection and fair trade practices in commerce; develop plans and emergency response protocols to protect the agriculture industry from bioterrorism, plant and animal diseases, and agricultural pests; assist as directed by the Governor in the Commonwealth’s response to natural disasters; develop and implement programs and inspection activities to ensure that the Commonwealth’s agricultural products move freely in trade domestically and internationally; and enter into agreements with federal, state, and local governments, land grant universities, and other organizations that include marketing, plant protection, pest control, pesticides, and meat and poultry inspection.B\n\nIn addition, the Commissioner shall:1\n\nEstablish and maintain a farm-to-school website. The purpose of the website shall be to facilitate and promote the purchase of Virginia farm products by schools, universities, and other educational institutions under the jurisdiction of the State Department of Education. The website shall present such current information as the availability of Virginia farm products, including the types and amount of products, and the names of and contact information for farmers, farm organizations, and businesses marketing such products;2\n\nEstablish and operate a nonprofit, nonstock corporation under Chapter 10 (§ 13.1-801 et seq.) of Title 13.1 as a public instrumentality exercising public and essential governmental functions to promote, develop, and sustain markets for licensed Virginia wineries and farm wineries, as defined in § 4.1-100. Such corporation shall provide wholesale wine distribution services for wineries and farm wineries licensed in accordance with § 4.1-206.1. The board of directors of such corporation shall be composed of the Commissioner and four members appointed by the Board, including one owner or manager of a winery or farm winery licensee that is not served by a wholesaler when the owner or manager is appointed to the board; one owner or manager of a winery or farm winery licensee that produces no more than 10,000 cases per year; and two owners or managers of wine wholesaler licensees. In making appointments to the board of directors, the Board shall consider nominations of winery and farm winery licensees submitted by the Virginia Wineries Association and wine wholesale licensees submitted by the Virginia Wine Wholesalers Association. The Commissioner shall require such corporation to report to him at least annually on its activities, including reporting the quantity of wine distributed for each winery and farm winery during the preceding year. The provisions of the Virginia Public Procurement Act (§ 2.2-4300 et seq.) shall not apply to the establishment of such corporation nor to the exercise of any of its powers granted under this section;3\n\nEstablish and operate a nonprofit, nonstock corporation under Chapter 10 (§ 13.1-801 et seq.) of Title 13.1 as a public instrumentality exercising public and essential governmental functions to promote, develop, and sustain markets for Virginia breweries and limited breweries. Such corporation shall provide wholesale beer distribution services for Virginia breweries and limited breweries licensed in accordance with § 4.1-206.1. The board of directors of such corporation shall be composed of the Commissioner and four members appointed by the Board, (i) two of whom shall be an owner or manager of a Virginia beer wholesale licensee, (ii) one of whom shall be an owner or manager of a brewery or limited brewery licensee, and (iii) one of whom shall be an owner or manager of a brewery or limited brewery licensee that is not served by a wholesaler at the time such owner or manager is appointed to the board of directors. In making appointments to the board of directors, the Board shall consider nominations submitted by the Virginia Beer Wholesalers Association regarding members listed in clause (i) and nominations submitted by the Virginia Craft Brewers Guild regarding members listed in clauses (ii) and (iii). At least annually, such corporation shall be required to report to the Commissioner on its activities, including reporting the quantity of beer distributed for each brewery or limited brewery licensee during the preceding year. The Commissioner shall report such information to the General Assembly. The provisions of the Virginia Public Procurement Act (§ 2.2-4300 et seq.) shall not apply to the establishment of such corporation nor to the exercise of any of its powers granted under this section;4\n\nPromulgate regulations in accordance with the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.) not inconsistent with the laws of Virginia necessary to carry out the provisions of Article 1.1:1 (§ 18.2-340.15 et seq.) of Chapter 8 of Title 18.2. Such regulations may include penalties for violations; and5\n\nEnsure that the Department compiles and publishes the annual report relating to foreign adversary ownership of agricultural land required under § 55.1-509.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":250662,"text":"The Commissioner shall be vested with the powers and duties set out in § 2.2-601, the powers and duties herein provided, and such other powers and duties as may be prescribed by law, including those prescribed in Title 59.1. He shall be the executive officer of the Board, and shall see that its orders are carried out. He shall see to the proper execution of laws relating to the Department. Unless the Governor expressly reserves such power to himself, the Commissioner shall promote, protect, and develop the agricultural interests of the Commonwealth. The Commissioner shall develop, implement, and maintain programs within the Department including those that promote the development and marketing of the Commonwealth’s agricultural products in domestic and international markets, including promotions, market development and research, marketing assistance, market information, and product grading and certification; promote the creation of new agribusiness including new crops, biotechnology and new uses of agricultural products, and the expansion of existing agribusiness within the Commonwealth; develop, promote, and maintain consumer protection programs that protect the safety and quality of the Commonwealth’s food supply through food and dairy inspection activities, industry and consumer education, and information on food safety; work with other state agencies to preserve the Commonwealth’s agricultural lands; ensure animal health and protect the Commonwealth’s livestock industries through disease control and surveillance, maintaining animal health diagnostic laboratories, and encouraging the humane treatment and care of animals; protect public health and the environment through regulation and proper handling of pesticides, agricultural stewardship, and protection of endangered plant and insect species; protect crop and plant health and productivity; ensure consumer protection and fair trade practices in commerce; develop plans and emergency response protocols to protect the agriculture industry from bioterrorism, plant and animal diseases, and agricultural pests; assist as directed by the Governor in the Commonwealth’s response to natural disasters; develop and implement programs and inspection activities to ensure that the Commonwealth’s agricultural products move freely in trade domestically and internationally; and enter into agreements with federal, state, and local governments, land grant universities, and other organizations that include marketing, plant protection, pest control, pesticides, and meat and poultry inspection.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":250663,"text":"In addition, the Commissioner shall:","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"B1"},"2":{"id":250664,"text":"Establish and maintain a farm-to-school website. The purpose of the website shall be to facilitate and promote the purchase of Virginia farm products by schools, universities, and other educational institutions under the jurisdiction of the State Department of Education. The website shall present such current information as the availability of Virginia farm products, including the types and amount of products, and the names of and contact information for farmers, farm organizations, and businesses marketing such products;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"B1","prefix_anchor":"B1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"B2"},"3":{"id":250665,"text":"Establish and operate a nonprofit, nonstock corporation under Chapter 10 (§ 13.1-801 et seq.) of Title 13.1 as a public instrumentality exercising public and essential governmental functions to promote, develop, and sustain markets for licensed Virginia wineries and farm wineries, as defined in § 4.1-100. Such corporation shall provide wholesale wine distribution services for wineries and farm wineries licensed in accordance with § 4.1-206.1. The board of directors of such corporation shall be composed of the Commissioner and four members appointed by the Board, including one owner or manager of a winery or farm winery licensee that is not served by a wholesaler when the owner or manager is appointed to the board; one owner or manager of a winery or farm winery licensee that produces no more than 10,000 cases per year; and two owners or managers of wine wholesaler licensees. In making appointments to the board of directors, the Board shall consider nominations of winery and farm winery licensees submitted by the Virginia Wineries Association and wine wholesale licensees submitted by the Virginia Wine Wholesalers Association. The Commissioner shall require such corporation to report to him at least annually on its activities, including reporting the quantity of wine distributed for each winery and farm winery during the preceding year. The provisions of the Virginia Public Procurement Act (§ 2.2-4300 et seq.) shall not apply to the establishment of such corporation nor to the exercise of any of its powers granted under this section;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"B2","prefix_anchor":"B2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B1","next_prefix":"B3"},"4":{"id":250666,"text":"Establish and operate a nonprofit, nonstock corporation under Chapter 10 (§ 13.1-801 et seq.) of Title 13.1 as a public instrumentality exercising public and essential governmental functions to promote, develop, and sustain markets for Virginia breweries and limited breweries. Such corporation shall provide wholesale beer distribution services for Virginia breweries and limited breweries licensed in accordance with § 4.1-206.1. The board of directors of such corporation shall be composed of the Commissioner and four members appointed by the Board, (i) two of whom shall be an owner or manager of a Virginia beer wholesale licensee, (ii) one of whom shall be an owner or manager of a brewery or limited brewery licensee, and (iii) one of whom shall be an owner or manager of a brewery or limited brewery licensee that is not served by a wholesaler at the time such owner or manager is appointed to the board of directors. In making appointments to the board of directors, the Board shall consider nominations submitted by the Virginia Beer Wholesalers Association regarding members listed in clause (i) and nominations submitted by the Virginia Craft Brewers Guild regarding members listed in clauses (ii) and (iii). At least annually, such corporation shall be required to report to the Commissioner on its activities, including reporting the quantity of beer distributed for each brewery or limited brewery licensee during the preceding year. The Commissioner shall report such information to the General Assembly. The provisions of the Virginia Public Procurement Act (§ 2.2-4300 et seq.) shall not apply to the establishment of such corporation nor to the exercise of any of its powers granted under this section;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"B3","prefix_anchor":"B3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B2","next_prefix":"B4"},"5":{"id":250667,"text":"Promulgate regulations in accordance with the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.) not inconsistent with the laws of Virginia necessary to carry out the provisions of Article 1.1:1 (§ 18.2-340.15 et seq.) of Chapter 8 of Title 18.2. Such regulations may include penalties for violations; and","type":"section","prefixes":["B","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"B4","prefix_anchor":"B4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B3","next_prefix":"B5"},"6":{"id":250668,"text":"Ensure that the Department compiles and publishes the annual report relating to foreign adversary ownership of agricultural land required under § 55.1-509.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"B5","prefix_anchor":"B5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B4"}},"ancestry":[{"id":14451,"edition_id":1,"name":"Department and Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services","identifier":"1","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":14450,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:48:11","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:48:11","permalink":{"id":193945,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14451,"identifier":"1","token":"3.2\/I\/1\/1","url":"\/3.2\/I\/1\/1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":14450,"edition_id":1,"name":"General Provisions","identifier":"1","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13126,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:48:11","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:48:11","permalink":{"id":193943,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14450,"identifier":"1","token":"3.2\/I\/1","url":"\/3.2\/I\/1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13126,"edition_id":1,"name":"General Provisions; Protection and Promotion of Agriculture","identifier":"I","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12793,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:19","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:19","permalink":{"id":193941,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13126,"identifier":"I","token":"3.2\/I","url":"\/3.2\/I\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12793,"edition_id":1,"name":"Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food","identifier":"3.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:53","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:53","permalink":{"id":193939,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12793,"identifier":"3.2","token":"3.2","url":"\/3.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":86153,"structure_id":14451,"section_number":"3.2-100","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/3.2-100\/","token":"3.2\/I\/1\/1\/3.2-100","metadata":false},{"id":76930,"structure_id":14451,"section_number":"3.2-101","catch_line":"Department continued; appointment of Commissioner; agriculture education","url":"\/3.2-101\/","token":"3.2\/I\/1\/1\/3.2-101","metadata":false},{"id":61525,"structure_id":14451,"section_number":"3.2-101.1","catch_line":"Certified mail; subsequent mail or notices may be sent by regular mail","url":"\/3.2-101.1\/","token":"3.2\/I\/1\/1\/3.2-101.1","metadata":false},{"id":69296,"structure_id":14451,"section_number":"3.2-102","catch_line":"General powers and duties of the Commissioner","url":"\/3.2-102\/","token":"3.2\/I\/1\/1\/3.2-102","metadata":false},{"id":62650,"structure_id":14451,"section_number":"3.2-103","catch_line":"Records to be held in confidence","url":"\/3.2-103\/","token":"3.2\/I\/1\/1\/3.2-103","metadata":false},{"id":78578,"structure_id":14451,"section_number":"3.2-104","catch_line":"Commissioner may serve on board of national tobacco trust entity","url":"\/3.2-104\/","token":"3.2\/I\/1\/1\/3.2-104","metadata":false},{"id":57646,"structure_id":14451,"section_number":"3.2-105","catch_line":"Century farm program","url":"\/3.2-105\/","token":"3.2\/I\/1\/1\/3.2-105","metadata":false},{"id":87269,"structure_id":14451,"section_number":"3.2-106","catch_line":"Horse breeder incentive program","url":"\/3.2-106\/","token":"3.2\/I\/1\/1\/3.2-106","metadata":false},{"id":68319,"structure_id":14451,"section_number":"3.2-107","catch_line":"Testing samples of products delivered to laboratories; prescribing and collecting fees; Laboratory Fee Fund established; disposition of moneys","url":"\/3.2-107\/","token":"3.2\/I\/1\/1\/3.2-107","metadata":false},{"id":61979,"structure_id":14451,"section_number":"3.2-108","catch_line":"Department to establish a program to support new and emerging crops and technologies","url":"\/3.2-108\/","token":"3.2\/I\/1\/1\/3.2-108","metadata":false},{"id":55825,"structure_id":14451,"section_number":"3.2-108.1","catch_line":"Virginia Pollinator Protection Strategy","url":"\/3.2-108.1\/","token":"3.2\/I\/1\/1\/3.2-108.1","metadata":false},{"id":73303,"structure_id":14451,"section_number":"3.2-108.2","catch_line":"Expansion of the Commonwealth's slaughter and meat-processing facilities","url":"\/3.2-108.2\/","token":"3.2\/I\/1\/1\/3.2-108.2","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":61525,"structure_id":14451,"section_number":"3.2-101.1","catch_line":"Certified mail; subsequent mail or notices may be sent by regular mail","url":"\/3.2-101.1\/","token":"3.2\/I\/1\/1\/3.2-101.1","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":62650,"structure_id":14451,"section_number":"3.2-103","catch_line":"Records to be held in confidence","url":"\/3.2-103\/","token":"3.2\/I\/1\/1\/3.2-103","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/3.2-102\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 18 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1966, chapter 702; in 1975, chapter 260; in 1977, chapter 186; in 1978, chapters 219 and 540; in 1982, chapter 150; in 1985, chapter 397; in 1993, chapter 455; in 1994, chapters 261<\/a> and 370<\/a>; in 1995, chapter 10<\/a>; in 1996, chapter 996<\/a>; in 2005, chapter 633<\/a>; in 2007, chapters 352<\/a>, 870<\/a>, and 932<\/a>; in 2008, chapter 860<\/a>; in 2012, chapters 803<\/a> and 835<\/a>; in 2020, chapters 1113<\/a> and 1114<\/a>; in 2022, chapters 554<\/a> and 609<\/a>; in 2023, chapters 597<\/a>, 765<\/a>, and 796<\/a>; in 2024, chapters 10<\/a> and 146<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":64438,"section_number":"4.1-206.2","catch_line":"Wholesale licenses","order_by":null,"url":"\/4.1-206.2\/"},{"id":86989,"section_number":"4.1-223","catch_line":"Conditions under which Board shall refuse to grant licenses","order_by":null,"url":"\/4.1-223\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":76305,"section_number":"13.1-801","catch_line":"Short title","order_by":null,"url":"\/13.1-801\/"},{"id":84355,"section_number":"18.2-340.15","catch_line":"State control of charitable gaming","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-340.15\/"},{"id":86911,"section_number":"2.2-4000","catch_line":"Short title; purpose","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-4000\/"},{"id":70034,"section_number":"2.2-4300","catch_line":"Short title; purpose; declaration of intent","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-4300\/"},{"id":84713,"section_number":"2.2-601","catch_line":"General powers of the departments established in this title","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-601\/"},{"id":55602,"section_number":"4.1-100","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/4.1-100\/"},{"id":85579,"section_number":"4.1-206.1","catch_line":"Manufacturer licenses","order_by":null,"url":"\/4.1-206.1\/"},{"id":62501,"section_number":"55.1-509","catch_line":"Reporting requirements","order_by":null,"url":"\/55.1-509\/"}],"permalink":{"id":193959,"object_type":"law","relational_id":69296,"identifier":"3.2-102","token":"3.2\/I\/1\/1\/3.2-102","url":"\/3.2-102\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/3.2-102\/","token":"3.2\/I\/1\/1\/3.2-102","dublin_core":{"Title":"General powers and duties of the Commissioner","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 3.2-102","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> The Commissioner<\/span> shall be vested with the powers and duties set out in § 2.2-601<\/a>, the powers and duties herein provided, and such other powers and duties as may be prescribed by law<\/span>, including those prescribed in Title 59.1. He shall be the executive officer of the Board<\/span>, and shall see that its orders<\/span> are carried out. He shall see to the proper execution of laws<\/span> relating to the Department<\/span>. Unless the Governor expressly reserves such power to himself, the Commissioner<\/span> shall promote, protect, and develop the agricultural interests of the Commonwealth. The Commissioner<\/span> shall develop, implement, and maintain programs within the Department<\/span> including those that promote the development and marketing of the Commonwealth’s agricultural products in domestic and international markets, including promotions, market development and research, marketing assistance, market information, and product grading and certification; promote the creation of new agribusiness including new crops, biotechnology and new uses of agricultural products, and the expansion of existing agribusiness within the Commonwealth; develop, promote, and maintain consumer protection programs that protect the safety and quality of the Commonwealth’s food supply through food and dairy inspection activities, industry and consumer education, and information on food safety; work with other state agencies to preserve the Commonwealth’s agricultural lands; ensure animal health and protect the Commonwealth’s livestock industries through disease control and surveillance, maintaining animal health diagnostic laboratories, and encouraging the humane treatment and care of animals; protect public health and the environment through regulation and proper handling of pesticides, agricultural stewardship, and protection of endangered plant and insect species; protect crop and plant health and productivity; ensure consumer protection and fair trade practices in commerce; develop plans and emergency response protocols to protect the agriculture industry from bioterrorism, plant and animal diseases, and agricultural pests; assist as directed by the Governor in the Commonwealth’s response to natural disasters; develop and implement programs and inspection activities to ensure that the Commonwealth’s agricultural products move freely in trade domestically and internationally; and enter into agreements with federal, state, and local governments, land grant universities, and other organizations that include marketing, plant protection, pest control, pesticides, and meat and poultry inspection. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> In addition, the Commissioner<\/span> shall: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Establish and maintain a farm-to-school website. The purpose of the website shall be to facilitate and promote the purchase of Virginia farm products by schools, universities, and other educational institutions under the jurisdiction<\/span> of the State Department<\/span> of Education. The website shall present such current information as the availability of Virginia farm products, including the types and amount of products, and the names of and contact information for farmers, farm organizations, and businesses marketing such products; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Establish and operate a nonprofit, nonstock corporation under Chapter 10 (§ 13.1-801<\/a> et seq.) of Title 13.1 as a public instrumentality exercising public and essential governmental functions to promote, develop, and sustain<\/span> markets for licensed Virginia wineries and farm wineries, as defined in § 4.1-100<\/a>. Such corporation shall provide wholesale wine distribution services for wineries and farm wineries licensed in accordance with § 4.1-206.1<\/a>. The board<\/span> of directors of such corporation shall be composed of the Commissioner<\/span> and four members appointed by the Board<\/span>, including one owner or manager of a winery or farm winery licensee that is not served by a wholesaler when the owner or manager is appointed to the board<\/span>; one owner or manager of a winery or farm winery licensee that produces no more than 10,000 cases per year; and two owners or managers of wine wholesaler licensees. In making appointments to the board<\/span> of directors, the Board<\/span> shall consider nominations of winery and farm winery licensees submitted by the Virginia Wineries Association and wine wholesale licensees submitted by the Virginia Wine Wholesalers Association. The Commissioner<\/span> shall require such corporation to report to him at least annually on its activities, including reporting the quantity of wine distributed for each winery and farm winery during the preceding year. The provisions of the Virginia Public Procurement Act (§ 2.2-4300<\/a> et seq.) shall not apply to the establishment of such corporation nor to the exercise of any of its powers granted under this section; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Establish and operate a nonprofit, nonstock corporation under Chapter 10 (§ 13.1-801<\/a> et seq.) of Title 13.1 as a public instrumentality exercising public and essential governmental functions to promote, develop, and sustain<\/span> markets for Virginia breweries and limited breweries. Such corporation shall provide wholesale beer distribution services for Virginia breweries and limited breweries licensed in accordance with § 4.1-206.1<\/a>. The board<\/span> of directors of such corporation shall be composed of the Commissioner<\/span> and four members appointed by the Board<\/span>, (i) two of whom shall be an owner or manager of a Virginia beer wholesale licensee, (ii) one of whom shall be an owner or manager of a brewery or limited brewery licensee, and (iii) one of whom shall be an owner or manager of a brewery or limited brewery licensee that is not served by a wholesaler at the time such owner or manager is appointed to the board<\/span> of directors. In making appointments to the board<\/span> of directors, the Board<\/span> shall consider nominations submitted by the Virginia Beer Wholesalers Association regarding members listed in clause (i) and nominations submitted by the Virginia Craft Brewers Guild regarding members listed in clauses (ii) and (iii). At least annually, such corporation shall be required to report to the Commissioner<\/span> on its activities, including reporting the quantity of beer distributed for each brewery or limited brewery licensee during the preceding year. The Commissioner<\/span> shall report such information to the General Assembly. The provisions of the Virginia Public Procurement Act (§ 2.2-4300<\/a> et seq.) shall not apply to the establishment of such corporation nor to the exercise of any of its powers granted under this section; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Promulgate regulations in accordance with the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000<\/a> et seq.) not inconsistent with the laws<\/span> of Virginia necessary to carry out the provisions of Article 1.1:1 (§ 18.2-340.15<\/a> et seq.) of Chapter 8 of Title 18.2. Such regulations may include penalties for violations; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> Ensure that the Department<\/span> compiles and publishes the annual report relating to foreign adversary ownership of agricultural land required under § 55.1-509<\/a>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nGENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE COMMISSIONER (\u00a7 3.2-102)\n\nA. The Commissioner shall be vested with the powers and duties set out in §\n2.2-601, the powers and duties herein provided, and such other powers and duties\nas may be prescribed by law, including those prescribed in Title 59.1. He shall\nbe the executive officer of the Board, and shall see that its orders are carried\nout. He shall see to the proper execution of laws relating to the Department.\nUnless the Governor expressly reserves such power to himself, the Commissioner\nshall promote, protect, and develop the agricultural interests of the\nCommonwealth. The Commissioner shall develop, implement, and maintain programs\nwithin the Department including those that promote the development and marketing\nof the Commonwealth’s agricultural products in domestic and international\nmarkets, including promotions, market development and research, marketing\nassistance, market information, and product grading and certification; promote\nthe creation of new agribusiness including new crops, biotechnology and new uses\nof agricultural products, and the expansion of existing agribusiness within the\nCommonwealth; develop, promote, and maintain consumer protection programs that\nprotect the safety and quality of the Commonwealth’s food supply through\nfood and dairy inspection activities, industry and consumer education, and\ninformation on food safety; work with other state agencies to preserve the\nCommonwealth’s agricultural lands; ensure animal health and protect the\nCommonwealth’s livestock industries through disease control and\nsurveillance, maintaining animal health diagnostic laboratories, and encouraging\nthe humane treatment and care of animals; protect public health and the\nenvironment through regulation and proper handling of pesticides, agricultural\nstewardship, and protection of endangered plant and insect species; protect crop\nand plant health and productivity; ensure consumer protection and fair trade\npractices in commerce; develop plans and emergency response protocols to protect\nthe agriculture industry from bioterrorism, plant and animal diseases, and\nagricultural pests; assist as directed by the Governor in the\nCommonwealth’s response to natural disasters; develop and implement\nprograms and inspection activities to ensure that the Commonwealth’s\nagricultural products move freely in trade domestically and internationally; and\nenter into agreements with federal, state, and local governments, land grant\nuniversities, and other organizations that include marketing, plant protection,\npest control, pesticides, and meat and poultry inspection.\n\nB. In addition, the Commissioner shall:\n\n 1. Establish and maintain a farm-to-school website. The purpose of the website\n shall be to facilitate and promote the purchase of Virginia farm products by\n schools, universities, and other educational institutions under the\n jurisdiction of the State Department of Education. The website shall present\n such current information as the availability of Virginia farm products,\n including the types and amount of products, and the names of and contact\n information for farmers, farm organizations, and businesses marketing such\n products;\n\n 2. Establish and operate a nonprofit, nonstock corporation under Chapter 10\n (§ 13.1-801 et seq.) of Title 13.1 as a public instrumentality exercising\n public and essential governmental functions to promote, develop, and sustain\n markets for licensed Virginia wineries and farm wineries, as defined in §\n 4.1-100. Such corporation shall provide wholesale wine distribution services\n for wineries and farm wineries licensed in accordance with § 4.1-206.1.\n The board of directors of such corporation shall be composed of the\n Commissioner and four members appointed by the Board, including one owner or\n manager of a winery or farm winery licensee that is not served by a wholesaler\n when the owner or manager is appointed to the board; one owner or manager of a\n winery or farm winery licensee that produces no more than 10,000 cases per\n year; and two owners or managers of wine wholesaler licensees. In making\n appointments to the board of directors, the Board shall consider nominations\n of winery and farm winery licensees submitted by the Virginia Wineries\n Association and wine wholesale licensees submitted by the Virginia Wine\n Wholesalers Association. The Commissioner shall require such corporation to\n report to him at least annually on its activities, including reporting the\n quantity of wine distributed for each winery and farm winery during the\n preceding year. The provisions of the Virginia Public Procurement Act (§\n 2.2-4300 et seq.) shall not apply to the establishment of such corporation nor\n to the exercise of any of its powers granted under this section;\n\n 3. Establish and operate a nonprofit, nonstock corporation under Chapter 10\n (§ 13.1-801 et seq.) of Title 13.1 as a public instrumentality exercising\n public and essential governmental functions to promote, develop, and sustain\n markets for Virginia breweries and limited breweries. Such corporation shall\n provide wholesale beer distribution services for Virginia breweries and\n limited breweries licensed in accordance with § 4.1-206.1. The board of\n directors of such corporation shall be composed of the Commissioner and four\n members appointed by the Board, (i) two of whom shall be an owner or manager\n of a Virginia beer wholesale licensee, (ii) one of whom shall be an owner or\n manager of a brewery or limited brewery licensee, and (iii) one of whom shall\n be an owner or manager of a brewery or limited brewery licensee that is not\n served by a wholesaler at the time such owner or manager is appointed to the\n board of directors. In making appointments to the board of directors, the\n Board shall consider nominations submitted by the Virginia Beer Wholesalers\n Association regarding members listed in clause (i) and nominations submitted\n by the Virginia Craft Brewers Guild regarding members listed in clauses (ii)\n and (iii). At least annually, such corporation shall be required to report to\n the Commissioner on its activities, including reporting the quantity of beer\n distributed for each brewery or limited brewery licensee during the preceding\n year. The Commissioner shall report such information to the General Assembly.\n The provisions of the Virginia Public Procurement Act (§ 2.2-4300 et\n seq.) shall not apply to the establishment of such corporation nor to the\n exercise of any of its powers granted under this section;\n\n 4. Promulgate regulations in accordance with the Administrative Process Act\n (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.) not inconsistent with the laws of Virginia necessary\n to carry out the provisions of Article 1.1:1 (§ 18.2-340.15 et seq.) of\n Chapter 8 of Title 18.2. Such regulations may include penalties for\n violations; and\n\n 5. Ensure that the Department compiles and publishes the annual report\n relating to foreign adversary ownership of agricultural land required under\n § 55.1-509.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7\u00a7 3-7, 3-9, 3-13; 1966, c. 702, \u00a7\u00a7 3.1-8, 3.1-10,\n3.1-14; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 34; 1975, c. 260; 1977, c. 186; 1978, cc. 219, 540;\n1982, c. 150; 1985, c. 397; 1993, c. 455; 1994, cc. 261, 370; 1995, c. 10; 1996,\nc. 996; 2005, c. 633; 2007, cc. 352, 870, 932, \u00a7\u00a7 3.1-14.4, 3.1-14.01; 2008,\nc. 860; 2012, cc. 803, 835; 2020, cc. 1113, 1114; 2022, cc. 554, 609; 2023, cc.\n597, 765, 796; 2024, cc. 10, 146.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}