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During the March 19, 2025, Suffolk City Council work session, David Bosselman, chairman of the city’s agriculture advisory committee, provided the mayor and council with the 2025 state of agriculture update.

During his comments, Bosselman outlined the committee’s goals to promote economic vitality for farm and farm-related activities, support agricultural heritage, and address specific challenges facing agriculture, such as land use, financial support, and the need for more agricultural specialists.

Bosselman highlighted three significant issues supporting the agricultural industry: the land use program, financial support for the peanut soil and water conservation district, and the hiring of an agricultural specialist, Julia Hill. He expressed appreciation for continuing the land use program, noting its importance in maintaining the industry’s viability by aligning taxes with land use. He also thanked the council for increasing financial support for the peanut soil and water conservation district, which aids in stormwater runoff and erosion control and assists individuals in accessing state and federal programs. The commission expressed excitement about the addition of Julia Hill as the agricultural specialist, anticipating a productive relationship and her assistance in navigating various agricultural and food-related initiatives.

A key focus of the presentation was educating the public, particularly children, about the origins of their food. Bosselman stated, “Most of our society is far removed from the farms and fields and they have no idea what it takes to feed this country, much less the world.” He suggested hands-on approaches in schools, such as greenhouses and garden plots, to connect children with food production. He also noted the presence of FFA groups in schools, indicating continued interest in farming among young people. A concern raised was land affordability for young individuals wanting to start small-scale farming ventures, highlighting the need for public education to inform the community about these challenges.

Bosselman emphasized the significant economic contribution of agriculture to the state and the city. He cited the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), stating that agriculture is Virginia’s number one private industry, contributing over $80 billion to the economy. He noted that one acre of agricultural land contributes nearly $11,000 annually. With approximately 41,000 acres in production agriculture in Suffolk, this equates to $453 million annually to the combined state and local economy, excluding forestry, hay, livestock, and specialty crops. Bosselman stressed the importance of supporting the peanut industry in Suffolk, acknowledging companies like Birdsong Peanuts. He underscored the quality of Suffolk’s farmland, reporting high yields for peanuts and cotton without irrigation, ranking among the top in the nation. He urged the council to consider farmland a precious resource, a source of pride and appreciation for its significant economic impact.

The discussion then shifted to threats to farmland, particularly utility solar installations. Bosselman advocated for more restrictions on placing solar installations on farmland, detailing the negative impacts on land use, local communities, and natural resources. He contrasted this with support for solar panels on residential and commercial buildings. Bosselman also raised concerns about minor subdivision requirements, identifying them as a significant cause of farmland loss, mainly due to the increased fragmentation of farmland and the challenges they pose to road improvements. He suggested reviewing these policies and considering incentives for farm owners to retain their land. He also emphasized the need to ensure city regulations support agriculture and agritourism while being mindful of farm equipment access on roads during infrastructure projects.

Bosselman presented data showing a steady loss of farmland in Suffolk, with an 872-acre decrease, or a 1.8% yearly loss, between 2023 and 2024. He noted that these statistics were about a year behind. He also highlighted the importance of managing land around watersheds to protect water quality, particularly in the Chesapeake Bay and Nansemond River, observing instances of muddy water runoff from construction sites.

To address farmland loss, Bosselman discussed agricultural preservation programs and conservation easements, suggesting that the new agricultural specialist could provide valuable expertise in this area. He stated that while the city’s investment in infrastructure, public safety, education, and economic development was good, there is still a need “to preserve and protect some farmland and open space here.” 

Bosselman reiterated the importance of affordable land for young people interested in farming and the desire for direct-to-table food options. He noted the city’s strong financial standing, citing City Treasurer Ron Williams’ report of a $30 million surplus for several years, suggesting an opportunity to fund preservation and conservation programs. He pointed to Maryland’s Queen Anne County preserving 90,000 acres as an example of what can be achieved with the will to do so. Bosselman concluded by emphasizing the legacy the council would leave for future generations, stressing the importance of farmland preservation and the audience’s commitment to this cause.

Bosselman shared a quote from Wayne Pryor, former Virginia Farm Bureau Federation president, who stated that farmland loss is caused by increasing commercial and residential development and utility-scale solar farms. Pryor warned about the adverse impact on the agricultural industry and Virginia’s economy, the fragmentation of remaining farmland, and the escalation of land prices for farmers, emphasizing that “Farmland is a finite resource. Once it’s lost to development, it would be very difficult, if not impossible, to transition the land back into agriculture production”. Pryor advocated for private property rights but opposed taking prime farmland, asserting, “We need our farmers. We need our food. And we need our farmland”. Bosselman concluded his presentation by expressing appreciation for the council’s efforts and the hiring of the agricultural specialist.

Council members then offered comments and asked questions. Council member Shelley Butler Barlow thanked the members of the agriculture advisory committee for their ongoing efforts and expressed excitement about Julia Hill’s involvement. Council member John Rector agreed with Bosselman regarding the impact of the minor subdivision ordinance on land consumption and welcomed recommendations from the committee to improve it. He noted the challenges the ordinance posed to road improvements. In response to a question about the age of farmers, Bosselman stated that the primary issue in Suffolk was land loss, not a lack of farmers, though more land is required for sustainable living. He acknowledged the difficulty young people face in affording land for small-scale farming. He reiterated the rapid rate of farmland loss in Suffolk and urged the council to consider its legacy regarding land preservation.

Council member Timothy Johnson also thanked the committee and the city for supporting agriculture and expressed optimism about the future with the new agricultural specialist. He emphasized the importance of council members attending the committee meetings to understand the agricultural sector. Bosselman reiterated the challenges of making a living through boutique farming and noted that the current situation was partly due to a lack of proactive measures in the past.

Mayor Duman expressed personal support for conservation programs and incentives to encourage individuals to remain in farming. He noted Chesapeake’s adjustments to minor subdivisions and highlighted previous changes to Suffolk’s ordinances regarding subdivisions and solar installations. Duman emphasized that establishing the agricultural committee and hiring an agricultural specialist were significant steps forward. He encouraged collaboration and the integration of resources to support agriculture. He requested more specific data in future updates, including acreage lost, reasons for the loss, economic performance of crops, and the breakdown of farmland lost due to development, solar, or inactivity.