Virginia Agriculture Week is June 7 to 13, and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is encouraging Virginians to celebrate by shopping local.

On Friday, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services encouraged farmers to prepare for the Atlantic hurricane season. The season is from June 1 to November 30, but it hits its peak between mid-August and late October.

As temperatures rise, an unwelcome guest is making its return across Virginia: the spotted lanternfly.

The application period for this season’s Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Infrastructure Grant program is now open, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services said.

This month, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced their Office of Charitable and Regulatory Programs launched Evoke, a new digital platform.

Last week was National Invasive Species Awareness Week, and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has asked the public to report invasive species in the commonwealth.

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced they are accepting pre-applications for the 2026 Specialty Crop Block Grant program through January, until Feb. 6. The funding is intended to increase the competitiveness of Virginia specialty crops in the marketplace.

Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) announced new regulations effective Jan. 1, 2026, requiring manufacturers to provide accessible information on heavy metals testing in baby food.

Rudolph and the team are ready to hit the skies!

Virginia officials urge backyard bird owners to strengthen biosecurity as wild waterfowl migration resumes this fall, amid concerns over Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is now accepting applications for its 2025 Beehive Distribution Program. The program helps Virginians assemble new beehives, and intends to increase the number of managed honeybee colonies in the Commonwealth.

Multiple outlets have reported on a resurgence of the invasive species known as lanternflies, also referred to as the spotted lanternfly nymph.

Virginia agricultural officials have expanded the state’s red imported fire ant quarantine to include Pittsylvania County, Danville, and Halifax County as warming temperatures accelerate the spread of these invasive insects.

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) announces that Virginia’s Imported Fire Ant Quarantine was expanded today to include the counties of Chesterfield, Lee, Nottoway, Pittsylvania, Prince George, and Surry, and the independent cities of Colonial Heights, Danville, Hopewell, and Petersburg.

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) has confirmed that a horse stabled at a private residence in Chesterfield, Virginia, has recently tested positive for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA). The horse is currently quarantined on the property and does not pose a risk to other horses in the area.

Spotted lanternflies have become one of the most well-known invasive species over the past few years. While they may seem harmless, they can cause significant damage to homes and gardens, and present major issues for farmers.

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is calling attention to invasive pests, and asking the public to maintain awareness and help stop the spread.

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, with approval from the Virginia Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services, has announced the repeal of the Virginia Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine.

Santa’s sleigh is cleared to enter Virginia on Dec. 24, thanks to an entry permit for his reindeer. Dr. Charlie Broaddus, state veterinarian with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) have approved Santa’s reindeer to deliver presents across the state.

Elmwood Park was abuzz with excitement as thousands of people attended the inaugural Southwest Virginia Bee Festival on Saturday.

Governor Youngkin announced the expansion of the Homestead Creamery in Franklin County Wednesday.

The bill would ban businesses from selling any products with more than 2 milligrams of THC.

Now, the lanternflies have been spotted in Bedford County, according to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

While the spotted lanternfly doesn’t necessarily pose a direct threat to your well-being, it could pose a threat to many fruit crops and trees, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

ROANOKE, Va. Have you received random seeds in the mail? The department said Virginians have reported receiving unexpected seed packets that appear to have originated from China. The types of seeds in the packages are unknown and VDACS warns the plants could be an invasive plant species. Those who have received the packets said they may have Chinese writing on them. Anyone who has received this type of package is asked to contact the Office of Plant Industry Services (OPIS) at 804-786-3515 or send an email to ReportAPest@vdacs.virginia.gov.