Forum for Rural Innovation:
New Approaches for Agriculture and Rural Prosperity
8:00 – 9:00 Registration, view exhibits, morning refreshments
9:00 – 9:45 “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.
9:45 – 10:30 “Internet Marketing 201 - Social Networking As A Marketing Tool”
Janet Childs, Owner and Marketing Director
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 web sites alone. A step by step presentation on starting and maintaining a cost effective marketing program.
10:30 – 11:30 “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
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.
11:30 – 12:45 Lunch (to include local food products), View Exhibits
Presentation of 2010 Innovation Awards
Award winners:
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
12:45 – 1:30 “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.
1:30 – 2:30 “Innovative Ideas for Large Acreage Land Owners and Renters”
Warren Howell – Allder School Berries – Purcellville, VA
Phillip Ramsey, Stoneleigh Farms - Warrenton, VA
Tyler Wegmeyer, Wegmeyer Farms – Hamilton, VA
What do pumpkins, honey bees, and grapes have in common? Hear how these three entrepreneurs have expanded their operations onto larger acreages, and the unique lease arrangements for non-traditional crops.
2:30 – 3:20 “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)
3:20 – 3:30 Wrap Up and Adjourn
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