Agriculture is by far Virginia's largest industry, contributing $55 billion annually to the state's economy and providing more than 357,000 jobs. Yet Virginia ranks 11th among the states for the amount of prime agricultural land lost annually, with more than 20,000 acres going out of production each year. And no wonder: the average farmer is nearly 60 years old and has a net farm income of less than $9,000.

Fortunately, there are a growing number of beginning farmers, inspired by consumer demand for fresh, healthy, local foods in Virginia. These new farmers face significant challenges, however, when trying to establish a successful agricultural business.

To support beginning and transitional farmers considering starting an agricultural operation, and to educate owners landowners to increase farmland accessibility, Piedmont Environmental Council is offering a series of Exploring the Small Farm Dream Courses in the Piedmont.

Learn what alumni of past Exploring the Small Farm Dream courses are up to, in an article from the Summer 2010 Piedmont View.

Currently, PEC offers three courses in the series. Check below for locations/dates for upcoming courses:

"Exploring the Small Farm Dream"

This course is for people who are considering launching a small farm enterprise, but are not sure where to start. Designed to guide students through an initial exploratory decision-making process, "Exploring the Small Farm Dream" bridges the gap between ideas and action.

What to Expect:

• Creative exercises, homework, and class discussions that will help you assess your skills and resources
• Interviews with local farm business owners that will assist you in deciding how to carry your dream forward
• The opportunity to connect with others interested in starting new agricultural enterprises in our region

The Course is hosted in partnership with Airlie Center's Local Food Project in Warrenton and with Piedmont Virginia Community College in Charlottesville.

Visit the New England Small Farm Institute for background information.

Upcoming Course:

We hope to offer the next course in Warrenton, Fall 2010 and in Charlottesville, Winter 2010. Check back for more information.

"Exploring the Small Farm Dream: Starting with the Land"

For landowners interested in leasing land to farmers and for farmers seeking land, this course covers the basics of assessing land for its farming potential.
What to Expect:

• Presentations by local experts on the various natural and built elements that comprise a farm and on how to assess a property for farming potential, including type of agricultural enterprise
• A field trip to local working farm to see how the farmers are working with their land's natural features to optimize the farm's output
• A networking for farmland-seekers and landowners

Upcoming Course:

Piedmont Virginia Community College
On Mondays, June 7-June 21, 2010
6pm-8:30pm, $99
Learn More and Register
or call 434.961.5354

"Hosting the Small Farm Dream"

This course is primarily for owners of farmland looking to make their land accessible to farmers for agricultural production.

What to Expect:

• Presentations from experts on various partnership models, including leases
• A panel of local farmers to discuss case studies and pros and cons of different partnership models
• Tools and resources for next steps