Virginia Administrative Code Title 2 - AGRICULTURE
In the Virginia Administrative Code, Title 2 is dedicated to AGRICULTURE. This title encompasses the rules and regulations promulgated by various state agencies and boards responsible for overseeing agricultural practices, consumer protection related to agricultural products, and related industries in Virginia.
The primary agency under this title is the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS). Other related boards also have rulemaking authority within this title.
Here's a breakdown of the typical agencies and the broad areas of regulation you'll find within Title 2:
Agencies and Their General Scope within Title 2:
Agency 5 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES (VDACS): This is the largest and most comprehensive agency under Title 2. It covers a vast array of topics, reflecting the broad mandate of VDACS. You'll find regulations related to:
Animal Health and Welfare: Rules pertaining to the control and eradication of animal diseases (e.g., avian influenza, brucellosis, pseudorabies), livestock market operations, humane care of animals, and animal identification/branding.
Plant Industry Services: Regulations concerning plant pests and diseases, nursery stock, noxious weeds, pest control (pesticide product registration, handling, storage, and disposal), and plant quarantines (e.g., Thousand Cankers Disease).
Food Safety and Quality: Comprehensive rules on the production, processing, labeling, and sale of food for human consumption. This includes regulations for meat and poultry products, dairy products (milk, ice cream), seafood, eggs, industrial hemp extracts, and general food manufacturing and retail food establishment standards. VDACS works closely with the Virginia Department of Health on food safety.
Commodity Regulations: Rules for specific agricultural commodities, such as:
Commercial feeds and animal remedies.
Fertilizers and soil amendments.
Seeds.
Pesticides.
Weights and Measures (ensuring accuracy in commercial transactions involving agricultural products and other goods).
Agricultural Business and Finance: Regulations for dealers in agricultural products, agricultural cooperatives, and sometimes programs related to agricultural economic development.
Consumer Protection (Broader Scope): Beyond agriculture-specific consumer protection, VDACS also administers laws and regulations related to other consumer services, such as charitable gaming, charitable solicitation, credit services businesses, health clubs, home service contracts, and travel clubs. While some of these might seem outside "agriculture," they fall under VDACS's broader consumer protection mandate.
Land Use and Conservation: Standards for classification of real estate for agricultural or horticultural use under the Virginia Land Use Assessment Law.
Public Participation Guidelines: Rules outlining how the public can participate in the agency's rulemaking process.
Agency 10 - STATE CERTIFIED SEED BOARD: This board establishes and oversees the standards and procedures for the certification of agricultural seeds in Virginia to ensure quality and genetic purity.
Agency 15 - STATE MILK COMMISSION: This commission is responsible for regulating the production, processing, and distribution of milk within the state, often including pricing and licensing for various aspects of the dairy industry.
Agency 20 - PESTICIDE CONTROL BOARD (ABOLISHED): While listed, this agency has been abolished, and its functions are now integrated under VDACS (Agency 5).
How to Access Virginia Administrative Code - Title 2:
The most reliable and up-to-date sources for the Virginia Administrative Code are:
Virginia's Legislative Information System (LIS): This is the official source for Virginia's laws and regulations.
You can navigate through the different agencies (Agency 5, Agency 10, Agency 15) and their respective chapters.
Cornell Law School's Legal Information Institute (LII): LII provides a user-friendly compilation of the Virginia Administrative Code.
From here, you can click on "Agency 5 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES" or other agencies within Title 2.
Justia Regulations: Similar to LII, Justia also provides access to the Virginia Administrative Code.
Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) Website: The VDACS website itself is an excellent resource for understanding the specific programs and regulations they administer. They often provide summaries, guidance documents, and links to the relevant rules.
When using any of these resources, always check the "effective date" of a rule to ensure you are viewing the most current version, as regulations are subject to change.
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