Biological Farming

What is Biological Farming?
Biological Farming is an approach to food and fiber production that respects the natural processes in the farm or garden ecosystem in order to yield top quality products, provide a viable living for the producer, and sustain long-term productivity. Practitioners use ecologically sound methods of agriculture, horticulture, aquaculture, and livestock husbandry to provide food that is as nutritious and free from toxic residues as possible, and which preserves the balance found in natural ecosystems.

Who is VABF?
VABF encompasses a community of farmers, gardeners, homesteaders, students, teachers, researchers, and general supporters of local and sustainable food systems! Find out more about VABF memberships.

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Our Mission

What does VABF do?
VABF’s mission is to educate about, advocate for, and promote organic and biological farming and gardening.

Diversity, Inclusion and Social Justice Statement
Natural diversity is a foundational and functional principle of ecologically healthy farming systems. Nurturing diversity is essential to a healthy society.

VABF has a history of inclusion, representation and service to farmers and gardeners of diverse backgrounds, heritage and economic circumstance. We strive for diversity to be a guiding tenet of our organization. We envision farmers, consumers, and food entrepreneurs of all backgrounds to be fully represented in our membership and leadership; and throughout organic, biological and local agriculture in Virginia.

Board of Directors and Staff

Seyra Whitney 

VABF President

farm@shalomfarms.org

804-301-6074

Powhatan Farm Manager
Shalom Farms

Francesca Costantino

VABF Vice President

labella_francesca@yahoo.com

703-380-7487

VABF Policy Liason and Program Manager at Foodshed Capital

Renee Foster

VABF Secretary

Renee@hrurbanag.org

757-615-3506
Hampton Roads Urban Agriculture

Justin Wilson

VABF Treasurer

Justin.Wilson@firstcitizens.com

571-213-3414

VP First Citizens Bank

Ira Wallace

VABF Board Member

iraacorn@gmail.com

540-894-1470

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange &
Acorn Community

John Munsell

VABF Board Member

jfmunsel@vt.edu

540-231-1611

Virginia Tech Professor and Forest Management Extension Specialist

Tom Brody

VABF Board Member

tbrooksbrody@gmail.com

540-292-3140

Rise up Rooted Gardens

Thelonius Cook

VABF Board Member

thelonius@thelonius.org

Mighty Thundercloud Edible Forest

VABF Board Member
Co-Owner at The Blue Horn Farm
540-599-5049
laurenjanelovejoy@gmail.com

Mark Davis

VABF Board Member

info@realrootsfoodsystems.com

Real Roots Food Systems

Kelly Parker

VABF Board Member

Junction City Farm

kelly@junctioncityfarm.com
813.310.5203

Brent Wills

VABF Program Manager

programs@vabf.org

540-947-0337
Wills Soil & Stream and Bramble Hollow Farm

Lindsay Johnson

VABF Administrative and Conference Manager

admin@vabf.org

540-974-5767

Bluebird Hill Farms

Eryn Alloway

VABF Social Media Manager

media@vabf.org

VABF Operations Manager
becki.derusseau@vabf.org
913-522-7160
VABF Outreach Coordinator
outreach@vabf.org
540-330-9481
Sterling Celebrations