Governor Cuts Ribbon For New Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory and Office Complex in Harrisonburg
News Date November 20, 2007
On November 14, 2007, Governor Timothy M. Kaine cut the ribbon and dedicated the building for a new laboratory and office complex in Harrisonburg. The complex, which houses employees from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), is a state-of-the-art facility that provides diagnostic testing for Virginia's poultry and livestock industries in the Shenandoah Valley and surrounding counties. Joining in the ribbon-cutting ceremony are, left to right, Delegate Matthew J. Lohr, 26th District; Robert S. Bloxom, Virginia secretary of agriculture and forestry; Kaine; and Virginia Agriculture Commissioner Todd P. Haymore.
In his remarks, Kaine noted that agriculture/forestry is Virginia's number one industry, with nothing else coming a close second. He also noted that the work done at the Harrisonburg lab helps ensure the safety of Virginia's food supply. The Harrisonburg Laboratory is the flagship of VDACS' network of five labs. Others are located in Warrenton, Ivor (Tidewater), Lynchburg, and Wytheville. The new complex also provides office space for VDACS staff in Marketing, Consumer Protection and other employees in the State Veterinarian's Office. (Contact: Elaine J. Lidholm, 804/786-7686)