Forum for Rural Innovation will be held in Winchester Friday, March 19
The sixth annual Forum for Rural Innovation will be held Friday, March 19, 2010, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Best Western Lee-Jackson Motor Inn & Conference Center in Winchester, Virginia. The purpose of the forum is to showcase new and exciting projects and programs that enhance farm or rural business profitability. The models presented at the forum also focus on conserving farmland and natural resources, and developing new approaches to rural prosperity in upscale areas where land commands premium prices.
The program features presentations from some of the most progressive and recognized farmers and researchers in the region, and will emphasize farming for high-profitability by using innovative and sound business approaches particularly suited to the Mid-Atlantic region.
Forum topics and speakers will include:
“Trends and Opportunities in Specialty Crops and Cane Berries”
Dr. Reza Rafie, Horticulture Extension Specialist, Virginia State University, Petersburg, VA. Hear an overview of the potential for marketing cane berries and related specialty crops in the Mid-Atlantic region. Also, details of a high tunnel specialty crop trial to be conducted in northern Virginia in 2010.
“Internet Marketing 201 – Social Networking As A Marketing Tool”
Janet Childs, Owner and Marketing Director of BreedersWorld.com and VA Lamb, Berryville, VA. Learn how to use low cost, highly effective new tools that get your message and products in front of customers faster than websites alone. A step-by-step presentation on starting and maintaining a cost effective marketing program.
“Step-By-Step Process For Direct Marketing Meat and Processed Foods”
Barry Jones, Office of Meat & Poultry Services, VA Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Lynchburg, VA and Cindy Martel, Marketing & Development, WV Dept. of Agriculture, Charleston, WV. Thinking about selling at a farmers market or doing direct sales? This session will answer your questions on what producers need to do to comply with state
regulations in order to sell meats and processed foods. Find out if the investment of time and equipment adds value to the bottom line.
“What I See As Food Innovation in the Mid-Atlantic Region”
Melissa Harris, Publisher of Flavor Magazine, Sperryville, VA. Flavor Magazine is an independent publication dedicated to local food, wine, and sustainable agriculture in the D.C. and Virginia Piedmont areas. Learn how this unique regional magazine discovers innovative farms for their articles and hear about some of their favorites.
“Innovative Ideas for Large Acreage Land Owners and Renters”
Warren Howell, Allder School Berries, Purcellville, VA; Phillip Ramsey, Stoneleigh Farms, Warrenton, VA; and Tyler Wegmeyer, Wegmeyer Farms, Hamilton, VA. What do pumpkins, honey bees, and berries have in common? Hear how these three entrepreneurs have expanded their operations onto larger acreages, and the unique lease arrangements for non-traditional crops.
“New and Successful Innovative Projects from Across the Region”
A snapshot of efforts being conducted in agriculture development and marketing by members of the group sponsoring the Forum for Rural Innovation. Kellie Boles, Jefferson County,WV; Ray Pickering, Fauquier County, VA; Melissa Nelson, Loudoun County, VA; Mary Beth Bennett, Berkeley County, WV.
During the conference luncheon featuring local food products, the 2010 Innovation Awards will be presented to:
Farmers Online Market.net – Catlett, VA
Phillip Ramsey, Stoneleigh Farms – Warrenton, VA
Bob Tabb, Round Oak Farm – Leetown, WV
Leon Warner, Ellerslie Farm – Berryville, VA
In addition, exhibits by agricultural suppliers, support agencies, and area businesses will be featured the entire day. Area agribusinesses are encouraged to participate with exhibits and displays.
The registration fee of $35.00 per person includes the forum program, morning refreshments, and a buffet lunch. Registration information is available online at www.LoudounFarms.org or by calling 703-777-0426. Pre-registration by March 12 is required.
The Forum for Rural Innovation is a cooperative educational effort by the Offices of Agricultural Economic Development and Cooperative Extension in Clarke, Fauquier, Frederick and Loudoun Counties of Virginia; Jefferson and Berkeley Counties, West Virginia; Potomac Headwaters and Shenandoah RC&D; Virginia Cooperative Extension and WVU Extension.
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