Agribusiness group honors Sherwood

RICHMOND -- Del. Beverly J. Sherwood, R-Frederick County, has been named the Distinguished Friend of Agribusiness for 2009 by the Virginia Agribusiness Council.

The award was presented at the council's 38th annual Appreciation Banquet on Jan. 15 at the Arthur Ashe Center in Richmond.

Council Chairman Jim Saunders, of Saunders Brothers in Nelson County, deems Sherwood "an exceptional legislator" who has shown "unwavering concern and support for rural Virginia."

Saunders also noted that Sherwood has been a consistent supporter of the industry's Agriculture & Forestry Initiative every election year since its inception in 1999, and has been a tireless advocate for funding of Virginia Cooperative Extension, Reforestation of Timberlands, and Agriculture Best Management Practices cost-share programs.

She has also supported measures to streamline permitting processes for alternative energy generation and ensure that energy-efficient building standards recognize the importance of Virginia wood products, he says.

Daily Staff Report