McDonnell appoints Lohr agriculture commissioner

Gov. Bob McDonnell has appointed Del. Matt Lohr (R-Rockingham) as the next commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

"Matt understands the importance of agriculture to Virginia's economy,'' McDonnell said in a statement. "Virginia's farms don't just grow food; they also provide critically important jobs and revenue for our Commonwealth. I want an aggressive, experienced leader to head up the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. It is a crucial agency to the future prosperity of our state."

Lohr, 38, was elected to his third term last November. McDonnell will set a special election to fill his seat in the Republican-leaning district when Lohr resigns. He will start his new job May 1.

Lohr, a farmer, will replace Todd Haymore, who McDonnell promoted to secretary of agriculture and forestry.

"I have been passionate about agriculture my entire life and have enjoyed being an advocate for it, whether it's through my work on the family farm or from my seat in the House of Delegates,'' Lohr said. "I look forward to continuing those efforts."