WASHINGTON (CBS19 NEWS) -- Representative Abigail Spanberger, D-VA-7th, has been elected to serve as chair of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee’s Conservation and Forestry Subcommittee

She was elected to serve as chair of the subcommittee in the 117th Congress. She had previously served as chair during the 116th Congress.

“Throughout our history, farmers and producers have been some of our nation’s most prolific conservationists. During my first term in office, I saw firsthand how voluntary conservation practices and an abiding love of the land help guide the decision-making of our district’s growers,” Spanberger said in a statement. “I’m honored to again serve as Chair of this Subcommittee, and I’m looking forward to bringing new voices to the table to share their perspectives on responsible stewardship and sustainable economic growth across the rural economy. Farmers have critical insights on how our nation can make progress on a wide array of pressing issues, including our economic recovery in the wake of COVID-19 and our response to the climate crisis, and I hope this Subcommittee will remain a venue for America’s farmers to help guide the national conversation on these topics.”