DATE: Wednesday, October 1, 1997            TAG: 9710010401

SECTION: BUSINESS                PAGE: D1   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: Associated Press 

DATELINE: RICHMOND                          LENGTH:   36 lines

CANDIDATES EMBRACE "THE AG INITIATIVE" GILMORE, BEYER ADDRESS FARMERS PROMISE SUPPORT.

Virginia's candidates for governor told farmers what they wanted to hear Tuesday by embracing a 10-point initiative to promote agriculture and the forest products industry.

Republican Jim Gilmore and Democrat Don Beyer appeared separately at a forum sponsored by the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation and the Virginia Agribusiness Council at the State Fair of Virginia.

The organizations are pushing ``The Ag Initiative,'' which calls in mostly general terms for farm-friendly policies. Among other things, the initiative urges ``a balance between environmental protection and the rights of property owners.''

One question along those lines by a member of the audience drew slightly differing responses. The questioner wanted to know whether the candidates favored mandatory or voluntary ``best management practices.''

He was referring to the concept of using the best available technology and science to enhance efficiency but minimize a farm's environmental impact. The practices, such as planting grass to prevent topsoil erosion and creating vegetation buffers between fields and streams, are based on university research.

Gilmore said he favors voluntary best management practices with incentives, such as a state income tax credit that takes effect Jan. 1 for farmers who demonstrate they are implementing those practices.

Beyer said he favors a mix, although the practices should be voluntary whenever possible.

Both candidates promised to appoint Cabinet members who recognize the $45 billion annual economic impact of agriculture and the forestry industry.

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