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News & Resources

News

Policy

February Policy Updates

By Mark Schonbeck, VABF Policy Liason What Are “Agricultural Appropriations? And what do they mean…
Mark Schonbeck Mark
Mark Schonbeck MarkFebruary 25, 2024
Garden Tips

February Vegetable Gardening Tips

By Ira Wallace of Southern Exposure Seed Exchange and the author of The Timber Press…
Ira Wallace
Ira WallaceFebruary 25, 2024
ClassifiedsVABF News

34-acre Farm available in Lancaster Virginia

34-acre Farm available in Lancaster Virginia My family owns a beautiful 34-acre farm on a…
VABF Admin
VABF AdminFebruary 8, 2024
Policy

January 2024 Policy Updates

Rest Next Farm Bill   The House and Senate Agriculture Committees are still working on…
Mark Schonbeck Mark
Mark Schonbeck MarkJanuary 30, 2024
Book Reviews

The Lean Micro Farm: How to Get Small, Embrace Local, Live Better, and Work Less

The Lean Micro Farm: How to Get Small, Embrace Local, Live Better, and Work Less.…
Pam Dawling
Pam DawlingJanuary 30, 2024
Garden Tips

January Gardening Tips

by Ira Wallace of Southern Exposure Seed Exchange author of the new Grow Great Vegetables…
Ira Wallace
Ira WallaceJanuary 30, 2024
Articles and Research

Why Does Diversity in Plant Species Causes Higher Farming Yield? Soil pathogens harmful to plants have a harder time thriving amongst diverse plant species

LAWRENCE, Kan. — A study appearing in Nature Communications based on field and greenhouse experiments at the University of…
VABF Admin
VABF AdminDecember 27, 2023
Policy

December 2023 Policy Updates

Take Action!   Shaping the Next Farm Bill   Delays in Congressional action on the…
Mark Schonbeck Mark
Mark Schonbeck MarkDecember 27, 2023
Book Reviews

The Winter Market Gardener: A Successful Grower’s Handbook for Year-Round Harvests

The Winter Market Gardener: A Successful Grower’s Handbook for Year-Round Harvests, Jean-Martin Fortier and Catherine…
Pam Dawling
Pam DawlingDecember 27, 2023
Garden Tips

December Vegetable Gardening Tips

by Ira Wallace of Southern Exposure Seed Exchange  & author of Grow Great Vegetables in…
Ira Wallace
Ira WallaceDecember 27, 2023
Job OpportunitiesSurveys and Action ItemsVABF News

Regional Ambassador Program

VABF Ambassador Program Role:  The Regional Ambassador is VABF’s representative for promoting biological farming and…
VABF Admin
VABF AdminDecember 17, 2023
VABF News

2024 Board of Directors Election

Vote for the 2024 VABF Board of Directors!  
VABF Admin
VABF AdminDecember 17, 2023
VABF News

2024 Conference Volunteers and Financial Aid

Thank you for your interest! The VABF-SFOP Summit is sold out! We are no longer…
VABF Admin
VABF AdminNovember 24, 2023
VABF News

Nominations being accepted for VABF Board of Directors

Calling all VABF members! Our Board of Director elections are coming up and we’re looking for…
VABF Admin
VABF AdminNovember 24, 2023
Policy

November Policy Updates

Special Conservation Opportunities   Building Soil, Building Equity Initiative Earn up to $1,000 per acre…
Mark Schonbeck Mark
Mark Schonbeck MarkNovember 24, 2023
Book Reviews

Many Hands Make a Farm: 47 Years of Questioning Authority, Feeding a Community and Building an Organic Movement

This little book is not a how-to-farm book, but a very readable memoir-plus-life-philosophy of two…
Pam Dawling
Pam DawlingNovember 24, 2023
Garden Tips

November Vegetable Gardening Tips

What a lovely extended fall! Halloween has come and gone with hardy vegetables still producing…
Ira Wallace
Ira WallaceNovember 22, 2023
Policy

October Policy Updates by Mark Schonbeck

Wanted! Your Stories about Farming in the Age of Climate Crisis   I am gathering…
VABF Admin
VABF AdminOctober 26, 2023
Book Reviews

Microbe Science for Gardeners: Secrets to Better Plant Health

Book Review by Pam Dawling Microbe Science for Gardeners: Secrets to Better Plant Health, Robert…
VABF Admin
VABF AdminOctober 26, 2023
Garden Tips

October Gardening Tips

by Ira Wallace of Southern Exposure Seed Exchange & author of Grow Great Vegetables in…
Ira Wallace
Ira WallaceOctober 26, 2023
Next Entries »

News & Resources

  • About VABF
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  • VABF Projects
    • SOUTHERN PIEDMONT CLIMATE-SMART PROJECT
      • Farmer Information Sheet – Southern Piedmont Climate Smart Project
      • Farmer FAQ’s – Southern Piedmont Climate Smart Project
      • Farmer’s Market Information Sheet – Southern Piedmont Climate Smart Project
      • Farmers Market FAQ’s – Southern Piedmont Climate Smart Project
    • Transition to Organic Partnership Program
      • Organic Transitioning
      • NRCS Announces $75 Million to Assist Producers Transitioning to Organic as Part of USDA’s Organic Transition Initiative 
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admin@vabf.org

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

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Our mission is to educate about, advocate for, and promote organic & biological farming & gardening. 501(c)(3)

VABF Virginia Association for Biological Farming
This Tuesday in Richmond, VA at the Byrd Theatre, This Tuesday in Richmond, VA at the Byrd Theatre, join us for a screening of "Common Ground: The Movie" - 
followed by an exclusive CSS panel discussion "Soil Carbon Capture Sequestration: Regenerative Agriculture for Our Common Ground."

The film investigates the power of regenerative farming systems as the key to unlocking more (and healthier) food to feed America and the world. 

The Panel:
- Moderator: Peggy Singlemann, host of Virginia Home Grown on VPM/ PBS 
-Kara Brewer Boyd, Co-Founder and President, Association of American Indian Farmers (AAIF) 
-Michael Carter, Jr., Executive Director at Carter Farms & Africulture
- Michael Collins, Executive Director, American Climate Partners
- Joel Stone, co-founder of Climate Systems Solutions

March 19, 2024, 7:00 pm 
The Byrd Theatre in Richmond, VA

Tickets are $20. Doors open at 6:30 pm for the 7:00 showing. 

(Come early to listen to Bob Gulledge on The Mighty Wurlitzer Organ!)

#byrdtheatre #vabf #commongroundmovie #regenerativeagriculture #regenerativeagriculturemovement
The Roanoke Foodshed Network and Partners present The Roanoke Foodshed Network and Partners present our March Farm Tour and Farmer Social at Den Hill Farm and Fungi

Monday, March 25, 3:00-6:00pm

Join the Roanoke Foodshed Network and partners for a tour of Den Hill Farm and Fungi, based in Christiansburg, Virginia. Networking social to follow the event with beverages and snacks. Den Hill Farm and Fungi provides sustainably grown produce with a special focus on mushrooms. They produce gourmet mushrooms and utilize mushroom compost, as well as other methods like intercropping, to help also grow seasonal veggies year round, such as carrots, greens, squash, peppers and tomatoes.

They also brew kombucha, under the name of Tea Beast Kombucha, made with organic ingredients, their own grown herbs, and fresh local fruit. Farmer Ben Harder will be giving a tour of the farm.

For more information, contact Mo McGonagle at Mo@leapforlocalfood.org.
Detailed directions will be shared with registrants.

VABF is a sponsor of this event

#virginiafarmtour #virginiafarmer #virginiafarm #roanokefoodshednetwork
The Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOP The Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) is the new USDA initiative led by the National Organic Program that is investing $100 million over five years across the entire country to provide producers with education, technical assistance, and mentorship to support the transition to organic and grow the organic sector.

Find more information under "VABF Projects" on our website! 

#usdaorganic #usdaorganiccertified #transitiontoorganic
Today, March 7, 2024 marks the one-year anniversar Today, March 7, 2024 marks the one-year anniversary of the Farmers for Climate Action: Rally for Resilience, when over 500 farmers and advocates marched in Washington, DC to demand action on climate in the farm bill. 

One year later, Congress is still drafting the farm bill, and climate is very much at the center of negotiations. Let’s use this anniversary to look back at the powerful words and actions of the Rally for Resilience and hold Congress accountable to act in the best interest of farmers and future generations. 

Call or email your Representative and Virginia’s Senators today and urge them to defend the historic $20 billion investment in climate-friendly conservation in the next Farm Bill.

A few things to note from the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSACO):
- Senator Mark Warner’s office can be reached at 202-224-2023; his legislative aide Taylor Durbin (Taylor_Durbin@warner.senate.gov) covers agriculture issues.

- Senator Tim Kaine’s office can be reached at 202-224-4024; his legislative correspondent Jahnavi Patel (Jahnavi_Patel@kaine.senate.gov) covers agriculture issues.

- Both Senators prioritize conversation and are likely to support IRA climate funding when the Farm Bill comes to the floor of the Senate – if they hear from enough of us.

- You can find your Representative’s DC office phone number online at her/his website, or by calling the Capitol Hill switchboard at 202-224-3121. 

- Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-7th-VA, 202-225-2815) serves on the House Agriculture Committee and has been a leading champion for regenerative agriculture. We should all thank her for her staunch defense of the IRA climate smart conservation investment.

- Rep. Ben Cline (R-6th-VA, 202-225-5431) serves on the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee. If you are in his district, let him know your priorities!

Thanks so much for taking action!

#farmbill #farmersforclimateaction
VDACS is hosting a webinar about priorities and ap VDACS is hosting a webinar about priorities and application process for the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure grant program on Monday, March 11th. 

The RFSI funding is a great opportunity for Virginia to do some thoughtful strategic investment in statewide capacity.

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) has been awarded $6.6 million from USDA to offer grants over a four year performance period under the new USDA Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program.

These grants are for farms and food businesses to invest in infrastructure for aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storage, transport, wholesaling, and distribution of local and regional agricultural products, including dairy, grains for human consumption, aquaculture, specialty crops like fruits and vegetables, and value-added food products, excluding meat and poultry.

More info about all of VDACS food distribution programs: https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/food-food-distribution.shtml 

For questions, contact Seth Benton with VDACS at 804.786.0532 or seth.benton@vdacs.virginia.gov
Check out these great job opportunities and classi Check out these great job opportunities and classified from our members! 

Find the links in our most recent newsletter or on our website. 

- Weathertop Farm Apprentices
- Shalom Farms Job Openings
- 34 Acre farm available in Lancaster
 - Part-time Farm Steward with The Community Food Collaborative
- Jobs at Project Grows
- AMI Farm Assistant
- VT Plant Growth Specialist

A bit more about the farming opportunity in Lancaster, VA:
"My family owns a beautiful 34-acre farm on a 117-acre property in Lancaster, Virginia. We are looking to partner with someone to farm it regeneratively for profit with a cost- and profit-share arrangement that is favorable to the farmer. My main goal is to restore the health and biodiversity of the land. The current tenant farmer has been farming the land conventionally for decades and is not interested in shifting to regenerative practices – although he practices no-till."
VABF is seeking Regional Ambassadors! Interested? VABF is seeking Regional Ambassadors! Interested? Message us with your name, email, region, and a short note about why you're interested!

The Regional Ambassador will serve as VABF’s representative and promote biological farming in their region. They will also share events, connect with local farmers, and recruit new members.
Some events happening now and coming soon that VAB Some events happening now and coming soon that VABF members may be interested in learning more about!
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VABF Virginia Association for Biological Farming

2 weeks ago

VABF Virginia Association for Biological Farming
Today, March 7, 2024 marks the one-year anniversary of the Farmers for Climate Action: Rally for Resilience, when over 500 farmers and advocates marched in Washington, DC to demand action on climate in the farm bill.One year later, Congress is still drafting the farm bill, and climate is very much at the center of negotiations. Let’s use this anniversary to look back at the powerful words and actions of the Rally for Resilience and hold Congress accountable to act in the best interest of farmers and future generations.Call or email your Representative and Virginia’s Senators today and urge them to defend the historic $20 billion investment in climate-friendly conservation in the next Farm Bill.A few things to note from the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSACO):- Senator Mark Warner’s office can be reached at 202-224-2023; his legislative aide Taylor Durbin (Taylor_Durbin@warner.senate.gov) covers agriculture issues.- Senator Tim Kaine’s office can be reached at 202-224-4024; his legislative correspondent Jahnavi Patel (Jahnavi_Patel@kaine.senate.gov) covers agriculture issues.- Both Senators prioritize conversation and are likely to support IRA climate funding when the Farm Bill comes to the floor of the Senate – if they hear from enough of us.- You can find your Representative’s DC office phone number online at her/his website, or by calling the Capitol Hill switchboard at 202-224-3121.- Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-7th-VA, 202-225-2815) serves on the House Agriculture Committee and has been a leading champion for regenerative agriculture. We should all thank her for her staunch defense of the IRA climate smart conservation investment.- Rep. Ben Cline (R-6th-VA, 202-225-5431) serves on the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee. If you are in his district, let him know your priorities!Thanks so much for taking action!#FarmBill #farmersforclimateaction ... See MoreSee Less

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VABF Virginia Association for Biological Farming

2 weeks ago

VABF Virginia Association for Biological Farming
VDACS is hosting a webinar about priorities and application process for the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure grant program. The RFSI funding is a great opportunity for Virginia to do some thoughtful strategic investment in statewide capacity.When: Monday March 11 3 - 4 pm EDTevents.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/f0627d02-d81b-4b16-8b63-2124605cf83b@620ae5a9-4ec1-4fa0-8641...Meeting ID: 222 736 932 972Passcode: dBBcR6Call in (audio only):+1 434-230-0065,,383383761# United States, LynchburgPhone Conference ID: 383 383 761#For questions, contact Seth Benton, 804.786.0532, seth.benton@vdacs.virginia.govBackground:The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) has been awarded $6.6 million from USDA to offer grants over a four year performance period under the new USDA Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program.These grants are for farms and food businesses to invest in infrastructure for aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storage, transport, wholesaling, and distribution of local and regional agricultural products, including dairy, grains for human consumption, aquaculture, specialty crops like fruits and vegetables, and value-added food products, excluding meat and poultry.Grant funding options are a minimum of $100,000 equipment purchase with no match up to a maximum of $3 million with 50% match reduced to 25% for disadvantaged businesses. ... See MoreSee Less
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© 2024 Virginia Association for Biological Farming.

  • About VABF
  • 2024 VABF-SFOP Summit
  • Events
  • VABF Projects
    • SOUTHERN PIEDMONT CLIMATE-SMART PROJECT
      • Farmer Information Sheet – Southern Piedmont Climate Smart Project
      • Farmer FAQ’s – Southern Piedmont Climate Smart Project
      • Farmer’s Market Information Sheet – Southern Piedmont Climate Smart Project
      • Farmers Market FAQ’s – Southern Piedmont Climate Smart Project
    • Transition to Organic Partnership Program
      • Organic Transitioning
      • NRCS Announces $75 Million to Assist Producers Transitioning to Organic as Part of USDA’s Organic Transition Initiative 
  • News & Resources
    • Articles and Research
    • Book Reviews
    • Classified Ads
    • Gardening Tips
    • Grants & Funding
    • Job Opportunities
    • Policy
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  • Find a Farm
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