Virginia Administrative Code Title 2 - AGRICULTURE
The Virginia Administrative Code (VAC) Title 2 - AGRICULTURE is dedicated to the comprehensive regulation of agricultural practices and consumer services in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The primary agency responsible for promulgating these regulations is the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), along with other related boards and commissions.
The broad purpose of these regulations is to:
Promote and protect Virginia's agricultural industries.
Ensure the safety and wholesomeness of food products.
Protect consumers from fraudulent or deceptive practices.
Safeguard animal health and welfare.
Manage environmental stewardship related to agricultural activities.
Title 2 is broken down into various agencies, and each agency has numerous chapters covering specific regulatory areas. Here's a general overview of what you would find:
Agency 5 - Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS): This is the largest and most central part of Title 2, covering a vast range of topics.
General Administration: Public participation guidelines for rulemaking.
Land Use and Conservation: Standards for classification of real estate for agricultural or horticultural use under land use assessment laws.
Animal Health and Livestock:
Reporting requirements for contagious and infectious diseases of livestock and poultry.
Rules governing the operation of livestock markets.
Health requirements for specific diseases (e.g., Equine Infectious Anemia, Pullorum Disease, Fowl Typhoid, Avian Influenza).
Branding of cattle.
Disposal of dead poultry flocks.
Regulations for animal care and humane treatment.
Plant Industry and Pest Control:
Control of specific plant diseases and pests (e.g., Virginia Pest Law, Noxious Weeds Law, Beach Vitex Quarantine).
Regulations for the enforcement of the Virginia Seed Law.
Best management practices for apiaries (beekeeping).
Food Safety and Consumer Protection (a significant portion of VDACS's role):
Regulations governing the cooling, storing, sampling, and transporting of milk (and related products like ice cream and frozen desserts).
Rules pertaining to tolerances and prohibitions for ground beef and other meat/poultry products (often adopting federal standards for "equal to" status with USDA).
Food for Human Consumption: General regulations for food manufacturing, processing, storage warehouses, and retail food establishments, including sanitation, labeling, and inspection requirements. This often incorporates or modifies the FDA Food Code.
Regulations governing the manufacturing and sale of products that contain industrial hemp extracts intended for human consumption (a rapidly evolving area).
Rules for exempt private home food processors (e.g., small-scale production of jams, jellies, baked goods with specific sales and labeling restrictions).
Regulations for the Virginia Commercial Feed Act and Virginia Animal Remedies Law.
Regulations for the Virginia Fertilizer Law and the application of fertilizer to nonagricultural lands.
Weights and Measures: Standards for commercial weighing and measuring devices to ensure fair trade.
Charitable Gaming and Solicitation: Rules governing charitable organizations that conduct gaming or solicit contributions.
Credit Services Businesses, Health Clubs, Travel Clubs, Home Service Contracts: Regulations designed to protect consumers in these specific business sectors.
Pesticide Product Registration, Handling, Storage, and Disposal: Regulations under the Virginia Pesticide Control Act, including certification for applicators and licensing for businesses.
Dangerous Dog Registry: Requirements pertaining to the establishment and maintenance of a registry for dangerous dogs.
Agency 10 - State Certified Seed Board:
Regulations governing the certification of various agricultural seeds to ensure quality and purity.
Agency 15 - State Milk Commission:
Regulations related to the dairy industry, ensuring a stable and wholesome milk supply, including pricing and marketing aspects.
Agency 20 - Pesticide Control Board (Abolished):
This agency has been abolished, and its functions are now integrated into the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (Agency 5).
In essence, Title 2 of the Virginia Administrative Code is a comprehensive body of regulations that touch almost every aspect of agriculture, food production, animal health, and a significant portion of consumer protection within the Commonwealth.
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