Local, Sustainable Agriculture
Sustainable agriculture is a way of life in Rappahannock County. The Rappahannock County Farm Tour offers a perfect opportunity to meet our dedicated stewards of the land who are implementing the best practices in sustainable farming, viticulture and ornamental horticulture.
“It all begins with the soil,” says Cliff Miller, owner of Mount Vernon Farm, which produces grass-fed beef, lamb and pastured pork for customers in Virginia and Washington, DC. Cliff joins other farming leaders in the community who look forward to sharing their knowledge with visitors on the tour. It is our hope that this new knowledge can help consumers make wise choices when buying their food products and that many will put the knowledge to practical use in their own gardening practices.
Visitors wanting more hands-on learning experiences can find out about internships available on a number of our farms. Our wineries also offer opportunities to work alongside owners in their vineyards at harvest time. Several of our local schools teach farming techniques, horticulture and nutrition as part of their core curriculum.
Our farmers have events and presentations planned for all ages this weekend, so please join us. We hope to see you at the “All Things Rappahannock” Market at The Link community center at The Schoolhouse in Sperryville!
Rappahannock Farmland Preservation Program
The Rappahannock Farmland Preservation Program was established to purchase the development rights of a farm property in exchange for protection offered by conservation easement. The program provides a cash incentive (as opposed to a tax benefit incentive) for the farmer to keep land in agricultural use rather than develop it. The program is a conservation incentive, not a farming subsidy, and helps to keep farm property in family ownership. The Farmland Preservation Program Fund can be matched dollar for dollar by state funds.
Benefits for the Farmer
• keeps the farm intact for future generations to farm
• compensates farmers for giving up the development value of their property
• provides cash for estate planning, retiring debt, farm improvements, children’s education
• can be tailored to a farmer’s needs
Benefits for Rural Rappahannock County
• permanently protects vulnerable lands and important resources in the county
• encourages an agriculturally-based economy, locally grown food and tourism
• retains the scenic views and open spaces of our natural areas and farmland
• preserves rural character and quality of life
