Home Background Testimonials Student Programs Adult Programs Video Clips Recent Clients In The News On The Farm Contact Information	Lohr Appointed as Commissioner of Agriculture Gov. Bob McDonnell appointed Harrisonburg Del. Matt Lohr to serve as the Commonwealth’s next Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Tuesday. Lohr is a three-term Republican Delegate representing Harrisonburg and sections of Rockingham County. Speaking about the appointment, McDonnell notes, “Matt understands the importance of agriculture to Virginia’s economy. Virginia’s farms don’t just grow food; they also provide critically important jobs and revenue for our Commonwealth. I want an aggressive, experienced leader to head up the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. It is a crucial agency to the future prosperity of our state. Matt’s background in farming, his service in Richmond as a delegate, and his commitment to the citizens of the Commonwealth make him the perfect individual to take on this important position. I thank Matt for agreeing to continue to serve Virginia in this new capacity.” “Matt will be an outstanding VDACS Commissioner,” says Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Todd P. Haymore, who is also a former VDACS Commissioner. “With his extensive farming and agricultural-related regulatory experience, he will bring a unique perspective to the post. His background will also complement the domestic and global marketing and development efforts that Gov. McDonnell and I are focusing on to help create jobs and more opportunities for our agricultural and forestry producers.” Lohr remarks, “I’m deeply honored to be joining the McDonnell administration as Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. I have been passionate about agriculture my entire life and have enjoyed being an advocate for it, whether it’s through my work on the family farm or from my seat in the House of Delegates. I look forward to continuing those efforts as Commissioner, and I’m very excited about working with Gov. McDonnell and Secretary Haymore to support their efforts to promote agriculture, the state’s leading industry.” On Tuesday, Sen. Mark Obenshain (R-Harrisonburg) thanked Lohr for his service to the citizens of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County in the House of Delegates and congratulated him on his appointment. Obenshain says, "It has been a great pleasure to work with Matt over the past five years. He has distinguished himself not only as a legislator, but also through the faith and courage that he and his family have personified in their difficult personal journey over that period of time. I have developed a close friendship with Matt and Andrea Lohr, and they are two of the finest people I have ever had the privilege of knowing. "We will miss Matt's presence in the community, and I know he will be missed in the House of Delegates, but our loss is the Commonwealth's gain. This appointment is a great honor and it is well deserved. Matt will be a great leader of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. His whole career has revolved around agricultural service and this is a great opportunity to continue that service. I look forward to working with Matt in this new capacity and am very happy for Matt and his family." whsv tv-3; March 16, 2010