Farm Events on the Horizon
Three upcoming events catering to the farm community are fast approaching. First, the Virginia Organic Producers and Consumers Association is sponsering a talk at Buchannan Hall in Upperville February 28th at 10AM entitled "Getting Certified Organic; Financial Benefits of Third Party Certification." It might sound dry, but having attended this group's events in Upperville before, you're liable to come out with some new ideas even if you aren't an organic convert.
The VOPCA is also sponsoring a second event at Buchannan Hall on March 6th at 10AM entitled "Farm to Consumer to Farm; Strengthening the Link" A panel of local producers will be on hand to talk about their efforts in attempting to link the buyers desires to the producers products. Loudoun County's own Kate Zurschmeide of Great Country Farms in Bluemont will be presenting.
Both these events cost $55 per person, or sign up for both at $100.00. Don't worry, that includes lunch, snacks and all the handouts you can truck home. Call Bridget Chisholm for more information at 540-364-0065 or bridget@bccplanning.com
Finally, its that time of year again! The Forum For Rural Innovation returns to the Best Western Conference Center in Winchester on March 14th 8:00AM to 3:30 PM. This year's theme is "New approaches for agriculture and rural prosperity" The registration fee for the forum is $35.00 and of course includes lunch with local food (come on, a local farm event without local farm products...that would be lame!) To register check out www.loudounfarms.org or call the Loudoun Department of Economic Development Agricultural Development staff at 703-777-0426.
Finally, there is still time to register for the Vegetable growers event at the Boyce, VA fire house this Friday, February 1, at 8:30. Yours truly will be presenting (or attempting to) on the benefits of cover crops in a vegetable farming environment and available cost share for said cover crops. To sign up, call Leslie at the Loudoun office of Virginia Cooperative Extension!