Programs for Emerging Growers

The last week has featured two exciting programs for aspiring local food producers here in the DC area. First, on April 11, we enjoyed a full evening program titled- Project Launch- here at Airlie Center, which brought together emerging food producers for a spring networking session and evaluative exercises designed to help new food projects get off the ground. Speakers included Harvey Ussery of The Modern Homestead in Hume, VA, Jesse Straight of Pastured Poultry in Warrenton, VA, and Stacey Carlberg of the Farm at Sunnyside, Little Washington, VA. Modeled after the Exploring the Small Farm Dream course, this one-time event was designed as a refresher as the busy spring season gets underway.

On Wednesday, April 14, we were thrilled to participate as a cofounder of the CRAFT program (Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training) here in the DC Metro Area. Featuring monthly tours of different farms and potlucks, the CRAFT program will facilitate new farmer training and networking. Chesapeake CRAFT is modeled after other CRAFT programs in the United States, and is a cooperative, farmer-based effort.

Away We Go

Hello Readers! Spring is in full swing at the LFP (with a little summer weather mixed in), which means it's time to get to work. For Pablo, that means it's time to hire a new drone to do the work for him. Ladies and gentlemen, I am that drone.



My name is Ben Hanna and I'll be the Local Food Project Coordinator for the 2010 season. Of course, I'm treated better than a drone and I'm excited for working with Pablo and other Airlie Center staff in the coming months.

During the past week I've been familiarizing myself with the LFP's 3 acres and trying to soak up as much of Pablo's wisdom as possible. We've been working in the hoophouse for the most part while the ground outside warms up a bit. We sowed cress, cilantro, and phak choi last week, with potatoes and lettuce going in this week. I'll check back in soon!