Spanberger “Recognized the Seafood Industry as a Driver of the Economy, a Source of Livelihood for Families, and a Part of the History of Local Communities”

RICHMOND, Va. — As reported by Northern Neck News, Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger last week met with watermen, oyster shuckers and processors, and local business owners in Weems, Virginia to discuss how to best support the Commonwealth’s booming seafood industry.

These Virginians shared with Spanberger their vision for how to address the challenges facing Virginia’s coastal economy and support the $1 billion dollar industry that brings jobs and growth to the region.

“The message appeared to resonate with Spanberger,” the Northern Neck News reported. “Speaking to those in attendance, she recognized the seafood industry as a driver of the economy, a source of livelihood for families, and a part of the history of local communities.”

While on the tour, Spanberger emphasized her work on agriculture and conservation legislation as the only Virginian on the U.S. House Agriculture Committee during her three terms in Congress. Spanberger made clear how her work on behalf of Virginia’s rural communities at the federal level shapes her commitment to bringing the voices of communities, like those on the Northern Neck, to the decision-making table as the next Governor of Virginia.

“I know what exists. I worked on that policy — everything from food security programs to the farm bill, to conservation policy that can be a major influx of dollars to communities like ours,” Spanberger told Northern Neck News.

“I know what dollars we allocated to support infrastructure in small communities…those are programs that I worked on, and I know what should be coming home to Virginia,” said Spanberger.

Click here to read the full story from Thursday’s Northern Neck News.

BACKGROUND

During her three terms in the U.S. House, Spanberger served as the only Virginian on the U.S. House Agriculture Committee — including two terms as Chair of the Committee’s Conservation & Forestry Subcommittee.

In 2023, the nonpartisan Center for Effective Lawmaking ranked Abigail the most effective Member of Congress in either the U.S. House or U.S. Senate on agriculture issues.

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