RD218 - Annual Progress Report of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services on the Effect of the Aging Population on State Agencies


Executive Summary:
HB 110 (2006) amended Code of Virginia § 2.2-5510 to require that each state agency include in its strategic plan "an analysis of the impact that the aging of the population will have on its ability to deliver services and a description of how the agency is responding to these changes." The bill provides further that "(b)ased on guidance from the Secretary of Health and Human Resources, each agency shall report by October I of each year to the Governor and to the General Assembly its progress for addressing the impact of the aging of the population in at least five specific actions."

The mission of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) is to promote the economic growth and development of Virginia agriculture, encourage environmental stewardship and provide consumer protection. In furthering that mission, the following strategic goals were included in the 2004-2006 agency strategic plan:

Goal #1: Enhance opportunities for the growth and profitability of the Virginia agriculture industry.

Goal #2: Ensure a safe and wholesome food supply.

Goal #3: Provide agricultural and consumer protection services which support economic growth, encourage nvironmental stewardship and meet consumer needs.

Goal #4: Increase Agency services and productivity through new technology, e-government applications, work processes and procedures, and training.

Goal #5: Provide services which prevent or minimize the impact of emergency agricultural infestations, animal disease outbreaks, food borne illness outbreaks, and natural and manmade disasters.

The reporting requirements contained in guidance provided by the Secretary of Health and Human Resources called for state agencies to review policies and programs for their impact on senior citizens and adults with disabilities. During the 2006 fiscal year (FY 2006), changes in current programs and services provided by VDACS have had minimal impact on this target population. While all programs and services are suited to serve all citizens, an analysis of VDACS programs and services revealed that only the Divisions of Marketing and Consumer Protection provide the most general direct services to seniors. Additionally, it has been determined that at this time, the other programs and services with which VDACS is tasked with providing do not require the clustering of clients by age groups or disability. Rather, all of VDACS' programs and services are available to all individuals regardless of age or disability. The aging of the population and adults with disabilities will have no significant impact on the continued ability of VDACS to provide services.