Our Work
OUR PROJECTS
Farmer Education
A Modular Curriculum for Growing Food Grain for the Local Market
This two year project, funded by Southern SARE, addresses the educational barriers to growing grain for the local market. The core feature of the project is a set of eight 60- to 90-minute classes customized to the intended audiences and held at farmer gatherings around the Mid-Atlantic. Partners on this project include Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE), Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), and the Natural Resources & Conservation Service (NRCS).
Shared Infrastructure and Logistics
Local Ordering, Communication, and Agriculture Logistics Initiative (LOCAL-I)
Along with our technology partner, Local Food Network (LFN), we are surveying hundreds of Virginia producers to better understand the logistics landscape for small agricultural businesses and apply that research to develop and test a cooperative approach to logistics management. LOCAL-I will enable LFN, a software development company, to integrate logistics components into LFN’s existing platform for local food ordering and delivery.
Consumer Awareness and Equitable Market Access
Bringing Grain Into the Mid-Atlantic Local Food System Through Consumer Awareness and Market Access
This project is funded by a Farmers Market Promotion Program grant through USDA AMS. Partnering with FRESHFARM, this project aims to simultaneously increase the presence of and demand for regional grains at Mid-Atlantic farmers markets. Together with our partners and network, we will: develop marketing and branding tools to expand consumer awareness and buy-in of regional grains; increase revenue for grain farmers and processors through new direct-to-consumer market opportunities, training and technical assistance, and farmer/processor connections; and promote an equitable marketplace for regional grains within the regional food system for consumers, farmers, and processors. Our goal is to raise awareness of regional grains and create a measurable impact on sales for growers and vendors who incorporate regional grains in their products, supporting the long-term sustainability of the industry. These goals and objectives have been implemented as:
The Mid-Atlantic Grain Stand: At select FRESHFARM farmers markets, a variety of grains & pantry staples from Common Grain Alliance members are offered alongside recipes and other educational resources. By aggregating and selling the products of dozens of regional businesses, producers of all sizes have the opportunity to access the farmers market without spending their time and money to be there in person. Our model will mitigate financial risk for small scale grain producers, foster collaboration among businesses in the local grainshed, and build capacity that can be scaled and replicated across markets in the Mid-Atlantic and nationally.
The Mid-Atlantic Grain Share: A weekly curated selection of grains, pasta, grits, rice, and much more that can be picked up at select markets or delivered to your door. As part of FRESHFARM’s Market Share offered through the Pop Up Food Hub program, customers can sign up to receive one Mid-Atlantic grain product each week, along with information about the producer and recipes to make the local grain flavors shine. Participation is open to all, including the option to pay with SNAP/EBT at a reduced rate.
Agricultural Leadership Development Initiative
Leadership Skill Training for Veterans and Farmers of Color
With our partners, Future Harvest CASA, Fields 4 Valor, and the Million Acre Challenge, we will be creating a tailored, culturally sensitive training program to advance minority farmers’ access to land and resources. Each training cohort will consist of nine months of free, multi-modal training (including classroom curricula, on-farm and online learning, and one-on-one mentorship). Through the Initiative, socially disadvantaged beginning farmers will access enhanced training, education, and mentorship, enabling these farmers to master skills needed to advance their careers and run a successful and profitable farming operation.
