HomeGrown program

Fauquier Agricultural HomeGrown Program

Click here for a printable application.

The Fauquier Agricultural HomeGrown program has been implemented for consumers to create easy access to fresh local food that tastes better, is more nutritious, and supports the local economy. The HomeGrown program is being promoted in cooperation with the Fauquier County "Buy Local" effort, which is coordinated by the Fauquier County Office of Economic Development.

"…Farmers [have been reduced] to less than 1 percent of the U.S. population… and food now travels on average 1,500 to 2,500 miles from farm to plate in the U.S.," [Ahn, 2004]. Look for the HomeGrown logo to enhance your communities' ability to become self-reliant and sustainable. Supporting Fauquier County agricultural producers will also provide food security.

A report given by the Farmland Information Center states that in the years from 1992-1997, the total amount of Virginia agricultural lands converted to developed uses was 116,300 acres. The rate of decline of productive farmland is increasing - in Virginia, up 51 percent from the rate reported in the previous decade (Farmland Information Center). In Virginia alone, "the rate of prime agricultural land loss has increased 76 percent in the last five years," (Ishee, 2005). The loss of the Fauquier County's agricultural lands is leading to the displacement of valuable family farmers.

By making the choice to buy agricultural products and produce with the Fauquier Agricultural HomeGrown logo you are contributing to local farmers and helping to ensure the prosperity of your own community. "Saving farmland is an investment in community infrastructure and economic development. It supports local government budgets and the ability to create wealth locally. In addition, distinctive agriculture landscapes are often magnets for tourism" (American Farmland Trust, 2003).

So support your local Fauquier County farmers! Buy produce and goods marked with the Fauquier Agricultural HomeGrown logo. Look for the logo at several convenient Fauquier County locations including Marshall IGA Foodrite, Archwood Green Barn Farmers Market, Remington Farmers Market, and Warrenton Farmers Market. See our website for Farmers Market hours of operation.

If you are interested in registering your Fauquier County farm as a HomeGrown participant please contact the Fauquier County Agricultural Development Office.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Ahn, Christine. 2004. Breaking Ground: The Community Food Security Movement. Backgrounder. Winter: 10:1.

American Farmland Trust. 2003. Why Save Farmland? Page 3. American Farmland Trust; FIC Fact Sheet and Technical Memo; National. Northampton, MA

Ishee, J. 2005. Virginia Needs More Lunatic Farmers. Rappahanock Electric Cooperative January: 42-43.

WEBSITES:

Just Food Organization

Farmland Information Center

The following retailers are supporting local producers by selling Fauquier County Home Grown products:
The Farmer's Wife	204 E. Main St, Remington, VA, 540-439-4700, contact: Dawn Falb
Marshall IGA	W. Main St, Marshall, VA, 540-364-9588, contact: Holder Trumbo
Fauquier's Finest Country Butcher Shop	11746 Ag Industrial Drive, Bealeton, VA, 540-439-7227, contact: Andy Wilfong

The following producers have indicated they will be using the
Fauquier County Home Grown Logo.
Support Fauquier County agriculture by buying from local producers.

Adalia Acres

Angelic Beef

Barrel Oak Winery

Berry Simple Farm

Blue Ridge Beef

Broad Hollow Farm

Castle Rock Farm & Exotics

Cedar Crest Farm

Cedar Run Alpacas

Cedar Spring Farm

Cintra Farm

Cow Pie Compost