Virginia Veggie Lovers Rejoice

Virginia farms have so much to offer when it comes to delicious produce. From our world-famous peanut farms in Virginia Beach to the gorgeous apple orchards tucked into the Appalachian mountains near Charlottesville, Virginia farmers really do cultivate something for everyone.

Any Virginian has known that our agricultural offerings are an integral part of our state’s history. But, a new ranking may indicate the future of farming in Virginia. A new study that analyzed organic farming across the country recently ranked Virginia as the #5 state in the nation for the most organic produce farms. According to the study, 87 organic farms produce vegetables across our state.

To be deemed “organic,” Virginia farmers must be certified as organic by the guidelines for cultivation set by the USDA. These standards regulate how produce is raised without using conventional pesticides or herbicides or with harmful fertilizers. A separate set of guidelines exists for livestock. In Virginia, a number of different organizations can aid farmers in moving through the certification process.

Despite a lengthy certification process, organic agriculture is becoming more popular among Virginia farmers and consumers alike. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services reports that the organic industry is growing at a rate of more than 20% every year.

So, where can Virginians get in on this growing market?

There are some great Virginia markets that carry local, organic goods from across the state. These include different MOM’s Organic markets across NOVA, the Organic Food Depot in Norfolk and different Fresh Markets near Richmond. Virginians also have the option of heading directly to the root.

Some popular farms in Virginia include Riverstone Organic Farm, which grows a wide variety of seasonal vegetables, Potomac Vegetable farms, which has an abundance of greens and lettuce throughout the year, and the Broadfork Farms which sells organic vegetables in addition to organic, freshly baked bread.

A list of organic farms in Virginia is available through the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.