Jennifer S. Friedel, an associate professor of practice in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics and director of Virginia's Land Use-Value Assessment Program, received the prestigious Excellence in Agricultural Law Award in the academic category from the American Agricultural Law Association (AALA) during their annual Educational Symposium. This recognition underscores her significant contributions to agricultural law, academia, and the agricultural community.

The AALA's Excellence in Agricultural Law Award celebrates those who have made outstanding contributions to the agricultural and legal fields. Friedel's work has had a profound impact, not just in academia, but in supporting Virginia’s agriculture community. Since joining the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics in 2019, Friedel has been committed to developing students’ critical thinking skills and empowering agricultural producers, landowners, and Extension agents across Virginia.

“I am humbled and grateful to receive this award, which reflects my commitment to academia and agricultural law,” Friedel said. “I am forever grateful to the American Agricultural Lawyers Association for the opportunities, relationships, and experiences it has afforded me and served my practice and purpose.”

Friedel's influence extends beyond her teaching role. As director of the Virginia Land Use-Value Assessment Program, she helps Virginia's farming community by providing use-value assessments for agricultural and horticultural land. The program plays a crucial role in providing an alternative means of assessment for agricultural land based on its agricultural use, rather than its market value. The program has helped landowners, producers, and localities protect against development, urban sprawl, and increasing real estate taxes while protecting rural landscapes and productive agricultural land.

In addition to teaching agricultural law, Friedel also teaches environmental law.

“Exposure to the law at an undergraduate level is important because it touches on so many aspects of agriculture and food production,” said John Dillard, the USDA practice head at the law firm Olsson Frank Weeda Terman Matz PC and a 2005 Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics alumnus, who presented the award.

Dillard and the awards committee were impressed with Friedel’s teaching approach, and noted the effectiveness of her methods, as reflected in her excellent student evaluations.

Friedel’s recognition by the American Agricultural Law Association is a testament to her unwavering dedication to agriculture, law, and education. As she continues to shape the future of agricultural law, her work will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on both her students and the agricultural community.

By Melissa Vidmar: Communications, Marketing, and Partnerships Manager