FARM TOUR & WORKSHOP:
Demystifying organic

The Virginia Association for Biological Farming, Common Grain Alliance, PCO-TOPP and Quality Certification Services are co-hosting a FREE farm tour & networking event at the Virginia Free Farm on Thursday, September 18, 2025. Join us for an informal discussion on Demystifying Organic and have a chance to network with organic farmers and certifiers who can answer questions and provide resources for your journey through transition to organic production.

Why attend: Are you considering USDA Organic Certification but need more clarification about the requirements and process? Becoming a Certified Organic farm is a significant commitment, but it can have tremendous advantages, from increased market competitiveness and improved record keeping to accessing additional funding and technical assistance from service providers. We will also focus on growing organic seed for sale and how farmers can access those markets.

Where: Virginia Free Farm, 178 Broad Street Road, Kents Store VA

Schedule:

10:00 AM: Welcome/introductions

10:15 AM: Demystifying Organic: Resources, programs new tools, farmer mentorship program (VABF)

10:45 am: Transition to Certified Organic (Meredith Morgan, QCS)

11:30 am: Lunch

12:30 pm: Farm Tour of Virginia Free Farm (Amyrose Foll)

2:00 pm: Common Grain Alliance (CGA) Farmer Networking Session

3:00 pm: Adjourn

Admission is FREE, but please register below to secure your spot!