18Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger has finalized her agriculture and forestry leadership team, naming five senior officials Tuesday to join Secretary Katie Frazier, who was announced in December.
Katie Frazier will serve as secretary of agriculture and forestry. Benjamin Rowe was named deputy secretary and Caroline Buscaglia will serve as assistant secretary. Charles Green will lead the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services as commissioner. Terrance Lasher will serve as state forester for the Virginia Department of Forestry and Crafton Wilkes will be administrator of the Virginia Milk Commission. They will take office when Spanberger’s administration begins on Jan. 17.
Rowe has worked with Virginia Farm Bureau Federation since 2018, most recently as director of member engagement and national affairs coordinator, where he represented Virginia agriculture at the federal level and supported local policy development.
“We are fortunate to have someone with Ben’s deep understanding of our farm families contributing within state government,” said Scott Sink, president of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. “His experience and perspective will no doubt strengthen the broader agricultural landscape in which we all operate.”
Spanberger said the team will help advance her priorities for rural Virginia, including expanding market access for farmers; preserving working lands; promoting rural economic development; ensuring access to labor; and fully funding voluntary conservation programs. She also pledged to strengthen agricultural education and support Virginia’s land-grant universities and Virginia Cooperative Extension programs.
“I worked with Virginia’s farmers to amplify their voices when I was in Congress by moving legislation that addressed their issues,” Spanberger said. “I will do the same as governor and ensure that agriculture and forestry have a seat at the decision-making table.”
Agriculture and forestry are among Virginia’s top industries, contributing billions to the state’s economy.
