http://www.buylocalvirginia.org/index.cfm/1,1,0,0,html Buy Fresh Buy Local Virginia is the most comprehensive database for Virginians to find local food resources and to eat seasonally all year round while supporting family farmers throughout the state. http://www.buylocalvirginia.org/img/logo.gif http://www.buylocalvirginia.org/index.cfm/1,1,0,0,html PECVA 60 en (Charlottesville) The Local Food Hub sponsors this evening event that covers the behind-the-scenes aspect of farming--finances, business plans and paperwork! http://www.buylocalvirginia.org/index.cfm/1,61,899,-1,html (Warrenton) The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) invites you to this two-day workshop that will help guide small and mid-sized private institutions toward including more local products in their food service menus. http://www.buylocalvirginia.org/index.cfm/1,31,898,-1,html (Charlottesville) The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) invites you to this two-day workshop that will help guide small and mid-sized private institutions toward including more local products in their food service menus. http://www.buylocalvirginia.org/index.cfm/1,31,897,-1,html (Richmond) The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) proudly presents the Virginia Food and Beverage Expo – Tradition of Taste 2012. http://www.buylocalvirginia.org/index.cfm/1,31,895,-1,html (Roanoke) This is VT EarthWorks third year offering the Growers Academy in partnership with Virginia Cooperative Extension. We have learned a lot along the way, and this year is going to be the best Academy yet! http://www.buylocalvirginia.org/index.cfm/1,31,891,-1,html (Leesburg) This year’s conference will include both Maryland and Virginia Farm Bureau Young Farmers as one of the largest gatherings of young adults who share a passion for agriculture that has ever been held in Virginia. http://www.buylocalvirginia.org/index.cfm/1,61,890,-1,html (Williamsburg) New Opinions from the Old Dominion is the theme of the 2012 NAFDMA Convention. While taking advantage of the rich heritage of Virginia’s Historic Triangle, new lessons in farm direct marketing and agritourism can be learned. http://www.buylocalvirginia.org/index.cfm/1,61,888,-1,html (Richmond) Conference will include production education on Growing Elderberries, Organic Seeds, Mushrooms, Livestock, Poultry, Weed Management and much more. http://www.buylocalvirginia.org/index.cfm/1,61,887,-1,html (Flavor Magazine, 12/1/11) There’s a crisis in farming: The average age of a farmer in the United States is between 57 and 59. Thirty percent of our farmers are beyond retirement age. And the USDA says we need 100,000 new farmers a year... http://www.buylocalvirginia.org/index.cfm/1,30,885,-1,html (USDA 11/10/2011) Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan visited a community garden in Baltimore today to announce 10 grants to support 155 People's Gardens in neighborhoods from Maryland to Hawaii. http://www.buylocalvirginia.org/index.cfm/1,30,882,-1,html (Anthony Flaccavento, SCALE, Inc, 11/01/2011) "The “local foods movement” has been growing rapidly for the past decade or more, reaching communities in nearly every part of the United States." http://www.buylocalvirginia.org/index.cfm/1,30,881,-1,html (Albemarle) This Permaculture Design Course lays the foundation for understanding and working with natural systems to design sustainable environments that produce food, shelter, and energy. http://www.buylocalvirginia.org/index.cfm/1,61,876,-1,html (Grist, 8/12/2011) The USDA released its latest Farmers Market Survey last week, showing 7,175 farmers markets across the country, up 17 percent from last year. http://www.buylocalvirginia.org/index.cfm/1,30,863,-1,html (New York Times, 7/26/11) "When Steven Hopp envisioned his restaurant, the Harvest Table, he drew up a list of strict rules. Local farmers would provide the produce, meats and cheeses. Lemons would be banned:" http://www.buylocalvirginia.org/index.cfm/1,30,862,-1,html (Piedmont Virginian, Summer 2011) "It’s giving away one’s age to remember milkmen carrying wire racks filled with clinking glass bottles to the door of houses..." http://www.buylocalvirginia.org/index.cfm/1,30,857,-1,html (NBC29, July 6, 2011) According to an article from Forbes Magazine, the city of Charlottesville is the "locavore" capital of the world. The locavore movement refers to communities where people insist on eating food grown close to home. http://www.buylocalvirginia.org/index.cfm/1,30,856,-1,html Are you looking for a gift for a gardener or to plant your own garden? Be sure to check-out this organic Rainbow Starters Mix from the Southern Exposure Seed Exchange. They are generously donating 30% of proceeds to PEC's Buy Fresh Buy Local Campaign. http://www.buylocalvirginia.org/index.cfm/1,30,848,-1,html (The Daily Progress, 4/8/11) Every new business is bound to experience growing pains. But a blister here or a few dirty fingernails there don’t compare to the smiles from satisfied customers plucking fresh vegetables from their own back yards. http://www.buylocalvirginia.org/index.cfm/1,30,845,-1,html (Slow Food USA Blog, 6/21/11) "My neighborhood farmers market opened a few weeks ago, bringing the first local greens and asparagus of the season." http://www.buylocalvirginia.org/index.cfm/1,30,844,-1,html (The Georgetowner, 3/8/11) "The fresh food fad is sweeping the nation. As consumers become more educated and concerned with the quality of their food, and cultivating a growing interest in where and how is it being grown..." http://www.buylocalvirginia.org/index.cfm/1,30,843,-1,html