RICHMOND—Virginia’s farm landscapes served as a backdrop for the experiences that ready Brad Copenhaver for the state’s prime place in agricultural management.

On Aug. 24, Gov. Ralph Northam introduced that Copenhaver was formally sworn in As a Outcome of the Seventeenth commissioner of the Virginia Division of Agriculture and Shopper Providers. Heidi Hertz has been appointed deputy secretary of agriculture and forestry.

Copenhaver grew up on his household’s beef cattle and burley tobacco farm in Washington County, which led to a want to assist Virginia’s largest private sector enterprise.

“I’ve On A daily basis been moveionate about agriculture,” Copenhaver said. “The work we do Is truly important to all of society. To have The power to work on behalf Of mom and father that discover themselves producing the meals, fiber and gasoline that sustains all of us as people Might be very humbling.”

Earlier to this appointment, Copenhaver served as deputy secretary of agriculture and forestry and dealt with a legislative, regulatory and price range portfolio to assist VDACS, the Virginia Division of Forestry and the Virginia Racing Fee. Whereas in that position, he labored with The general Meeting and assisted move legal guidelines To handle hemp-derived oils meant for human consumption, maintain federal produce safety compliance and meet Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay cleanup commitments.

After Engaged on Capitol Hill as a legislative correspondent for Rep. H. Morgan Griffith, R-Ninth, Copenhaver served as director of governmental affairs for the Virginia Agrienterprise Council. He labored intently with The general Meeting and the council’s congressional delegation on Pretty a Little bit of factors, collectively with animal welfare, meals safety and labeling, environment and water extreme quality, and worldwide commerce.

Virginia Farm Bureau Federation president Wayne F. Pryor said Copenhaver’s background, education and various enterprise experiences have empowered him to serve the state’s agricultural producers of all sizes, while strengthening export alternatives for Virginia’s farm commodities.

“From his farming roots to his advocacy on behalf of agriculture, We now have had many alternatives to work with Brad and Look forward to persevering with our collaboration with him as commissioner,” Pryor said when the appointment was introduced in Might. “We’re assured in his talents To current management for Pretty A pair of essential packages that assist farmers and agrienterprisees in VDACS.”

Copenhaver was a Pamplin Scholar at Virginia Tech and graduated with levels in political science and agricultural economics. He obtained a grasp’s diploma in enterprise administration On the College of Washington.